Alcohol On Navy Ships: Availability During Deployment

Alcohol availability on naval ships during deployment has undergone significant changes throughout history. The U.S. Navy, influenced by the Royal Navy's tradition, initially provided sailors with daily alcohol rations, including rum and whiskey. However, in the 19th and early 20th centuries, efforts to reduce alcohol consumption gained momentum, culminating in the issuance of General Order 99 in 1914 by Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels, which prohibited alcohol on U.S. Navy ships. Since then, the availability of alcohol during deployment has been limited and subject to strict regulations, with occasional exceptions, such as the allowance of limited beer on board or the provision of alcohol for medicinal purposes.

Alcohol is banned on US Navy ships

> The use or introduction for drinking purposes of alcoholic liquors on board any naval vessel, or within any navy yard or station, is strictly prohibited, and commanding officers will be held directly responsible for the enforcement of this order.

The ban on alcohol in the US Navy was the result of a long process of reducing the presence of alcohol. The US Navy inherited the British Royal Navy tradition of providing sailors with a daily alcohol ration in the 18th century. In 1794, the US Navy established that sailors were to receive "one half-pint of distilled spirits" a day. In 1806, the Navy encouraged sailors to accept whiskey as a substitute for rum. By 1842, the ration had been reduced to four ounces, and in 1862, during the Civil War, it was eliminated entirely.

However, even after the ban, there have been some instances where alcohol has been consumed on US Navy ships. For example, the CO can authorize a "beer day" after 45 consecutive days at sea, and there have been reports of sailors brewing their own alcohol on board. Additionally, some foreign navies, such as the German Navy, allow alcohol consumption, and there have been reports of US sailors drinking while on cross-deck deployments with these navies.

Beer days

One sailor recounted their experience of a beer day in Jebel Ali, where they had their first beer day after spending nearly four months at sea. They described the beer as room temperature and causing their worst hangover ever.

Another sailor recalled a similar experience of a beer day after 45 days at sea. Their department head told them they would not be getting a beer day, but instead, they pulled into port in Corfu, Greece, on day 44.

While beer days are not common, they are a way for sailors to blow off steam and boost morale. Some sailors have even found creative ways to make their own alcohol while on deployment, such as making bilge mead using ingredients from the ship's pantry.

Alcohol in the German Navy

Alcohol consumption in the German Navy is regulated, with sailors usually limited to two bottles of beer per day. However, during certain events, these limits may not apply, and sailors can consume alcohol without restrictions.

Historically, the German Navy, like many other navies around the world, had different regulations regarding alcohol consumption. For example, from 1794 to 1842, the daily ration established by the US Congress for its Navy included "one half-pint of distilled spirits," or "one quart of beer" as an alternative. In 1842, the amount of liquor issued in the daily ration was reduced to one gill (1/4 pint), and no commissioned officer, midshipman, or enlisted man below the age of 21 was permitted to draw this liquor ration.

In more recent times, the US Navy has had a more restrictive approach to alcohol. In 1914, Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels issued General Order 99, strictly prohibiting "the use or introduction for drinking purposes of alcoholic liquors on board any naval vessel, or within any navy yard or station." This ban on alcohol in the US Navy remains in place today.

Some individuals who have served in the Navy have shared their experiences and opinions regarding alcohol consumption. One person recalled that during their time with the Germans, they "drank like hell in port," yet there were never any issues with alcohol-related incidents or missed musters. This person contrasts this with their experience in the British Navy, where they observed binge drinking and a negative impact on morale due to the absence of regulated alcohol consumption.

Another individual expressed concerns about the potential risks of sailors drinking while on deployment, especially in high-stakes situations where quick decision-making and coordination are crucial. They suggested that the presence of alcohol could introduce unnecessary risk factors and compromise the safety and effectiveness of the crew.

Overall, the German Navy's approach to alcohol consumption appears to be one of regulation rather than prohibition, allowing sailors some flexibility while also maintaining discipline and order.

Alcohol in the UK Navy

The UK Navy, also known as the Royal Navy, has a long history of allowing alcohol on its ships. In the 18th century, the Royal Navy provided sailors with a daily rum ration, a tradition inherited from the British Navy. Over time, this ration was reduced, and during the Civil War in 1862, the ration was completely eliminated. However, even after the official ration was discontinued, alcohol remained readily available on UK Navy ships.

In more recent times, the UK Navy has taken a more regulated approach to alcohol consumption. While it is not completely prohibited, there are strict rules in place to control and monitor alcohol usage. Beer days or steel beach parties, as they are commonly known, are occasional events where sailors are allowed to consume alcohol. These days are typically authorised by high-ranking officials and are meant to boost morale and provide a change of pace for sailors who have been at sea for extended periods.

The UK Navy recognises the potential risks associated with alcohol consumption, especially when it comes to the operational readiness and safety of its personnel. As a result, alcohol consumption is carefully managed, and sailors are expected to act responsibly and adhere to any regulations or restrictions that may be in place.

Compared to other navies, such as the US Navy, which has had a long-standing ban on alcohol since 1914, the UK Navy takes a more lenient approach. This difference in policy has sparked discussions among sailors and military personnel about the potential benefits and drawbacks of allowing alcohol on board. Some argue that regulated alcohol consumption can boost morale and reduce binge drinking, while others raise concerns about the potential risks associated with operating complex military equipment while under the influence.

While the UK Navy's approach to alcohol may evolve over time, the current stance appears to be one of controlled allowance, where alcohol is permitted in specific circumstances and consumed in a regulated manner.

Alcohol in the French Navy

Alcohol consumption on board ships has a long history. Drinking alcohol on board became commonplace for several reasons: drinking water in casks would often develop algae and taste putrid and sour, alcohol was a welcome distraction from plain and heavily salted meal rations, and certain drinks even helped stave off scurvy. The image of a drunken sailor persists in pop culture to this day.

The French Navy has traditionally given wine to its sailors. There is a cultural difference between the U.S. and French navies when it comes to drinking wine on a warship. While the U.S. Navy has banned alcohol on its ships, the French Navy allows its sailors to drink, and U.S. service personnel on French warships are governed by these rules and can drink as well. To prevent the risk of inebriated sailors around deadly weaponry, the French use an electronic scanning system to track who has reached their limit of one drink per day.

Historically, the daily ration established by the U.S. Congress for the Navy included "one half-pint of distilled spirits," "or in lieu thereof, one quart of beer." This was later changed to "one half-pint of distilled spirits" as the daily liquor ration. In 1842, Congress reduced the amount of liquor issued in the daily ration to one gill (1/4 pint), and no one under the age of 21 was allowed to draw his liquor ration.

The consumption of alcohol on board U.S. Navy vessels was banned by General Order 99, effective 1 July 1914, issued by Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels on 1 June 1914. He was a teetotaler and had banned alcoholic beverages from U.S. Navy ships to foster an environment of "good order and discipline."

Some people argue that allowing alcohol on board ships would be better for sailors, potentially lessening binge drinking and slightly lifting morale. However, others argue that there are too many risk factors and things that could go wrong, especially with the importance of the job and the presence of deadly weaponry.

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