Theo Nash
Alcohol consumption in the Navy is a topic that has sparked varying opinions and practices across different naval forces. While some individuals associate the Navy with strict abstinence from alcohol, others recall occasional indulgences during their service. The U.S. Navy, in particular, has a long-standing policy banning alcoholic beverages on ships, instituted by Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels in 1912. However, anecdotes from Navy personnel suggest that there have been exceptions, such as the beer day or steel beach party, where drinking was permitted after extended periods at sea. These occurrences seem to be infrequent and dependent on specific circumstances and commanding officers' discretion. The German Navy, in contrast, allows for a more regulated daily alcohol intake, providing its sailors with a more consistent opportunity to consume alcohol.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcohol consumption | Banned on US Navy ships since 1912 |
| Beer days | Occasional authorized consumption of two beers after 45 consecutive days at sea |
| Steel beach parties | Authorized swim calls with beer |
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What You'll Learn
Alcohol banned from US Navy ships since 1912
Alcohol has been mostly banned from US Navy ships since 1 July 1914, when General Order No. 99 was issued by Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels. The order stated:
> "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 order was the culmination of a long process to reduce the presence of alcohol in the Navy. The US Navy had inherited the British Royal Navy's tradition of providing sailors with a daily rum ration in the 18th century. In 1794, this was set at "one half-pint of distilled spirits" per day. In 1806, sailors were encouraged to accept whiskey as a substitute for rum, and in 1842, the ration was reduced to four ounces.
In 1862, during the Civil War, the ration was eliminated entirely, although the Confederate Navy continued to provide rum rations to its crews. In 1899, the sale of alcohol to enlisted men on board ships or within naval stations was banned, although sailors were still allowed to keep their own stock of beer and undistilled spirits at the commander's discretion.
The 1914 ban was deeply unpopular with sailors, who jeered and cursed Daniels' name. To mark the occasion, ships held banquets and parties, with foreign navies joining in the festivities. Despite the ban, alcohol was reinstated on Navy ships after less than a year, although it was restricted to the wardroom and the captain's wine messes.
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Beer days allowed after 45 days at sea
The US Navy's policy on alcohol consumption has evolved significantly over time. Beginning in 1794, the U.S. Congress authorized a daily alcohol ration for sailors, which was typically in the form of rum or whiskey. However, in the following centuries, the regulations gradually changed, with the ration being reduced or restricted in various forms.
Today, the US Navy maintains a strict policy regarding alcohol consumption. With limited exceptions, ships in the US Navy have been dry for over a hundred years, following General Order No. 99 issued on July 1, 1914, by Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels. This order prohibited the use or introduction of alcoholic liquors for drinking purposes on naval vessels, navy yards, or stations.
However, there is one notable exception to this rule: Beer Days. After 45 continuous days at sea and with more than 5 days left before coming into port, a ship captain may request permission from the Numbered Fleet Commander to conduct a beer day. This authorization is subject to operational commitments, local threat assessments, and the commander's approval.
During a Beer Day, sailors are typically allowed a ration of two beers. This event is authorized once every 45 days at sea. It provides a rare opportunity for sailors to consume alcohol while deployed on extended missions. The Beer Day tradition is a continuation of the historical practice of providing sailors with alcohol rations, albeit with modern restrictions and regulations to ensure responsible consumption.
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Beer consumption varies by country
Beer consumption varies significantly between countries, as do the regulations that govern it. For instance, in the United States, the legal drinking age is 21, which is one of the highest in the world. In contrast, Canada has a legal drinking age ranging from 18 to 19, depending on the province. Some countries have no minimum age for alcohol consumption, although most have laws regarding the purchase of alcoholic beverages. Conversely, nations under strict Muslim rule often outlaw drinking entirely.
Cultural norms and attitudes toward alcohol also play a role in beer consumption patterns. Italy, for example, is considered a "sipping culture," with a relatively lower overall alcohol consumption rate compared to other European nations and the United States. However, Italy has taken steps to control teenage drinking in recent years. On the other hand, countries like Russia and the United Kingdom have witnessed a notable presence of underage drinking, with a significant percentage of 15-year-olds reporting weekly drinking habits.
The craft beer industry has experienced remarkable growth, evolving from a niche market into a thriving $12 billion business globally. This growth has been driven by acquisitions of smaller regional craft breweries by prominent global breweries. Despite the popularity of craft beer, excessive alcohol consumption remains a leading risk factor for early death or disability among 15- to 49-year-olds worldwide. Binge drinking, in particular, has been associated with adverse health effects, and studies suggest that no amount of alcohol is beneficial for health.
Regulations surrounding alcohol consumption are in place to mitigate potential harm. For instance, in Ireland, drivers cannot exceed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05%, with violations resulting in substantial fines, jail time, or license suspensions. Similar measures are likely in place in other countries to address the risks associated with alcohol consumption, especially among minors.
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Beer days called 'steel beach parties'
Steel Beach parties are picnic parties held by the US Navy to allow the crew to unwind and relax. They are usually held on the flight decks of nuclear aircraft carriers or on the surfaced backs of nuclear submarines. The parties can include BBQs, volleyball, kiddie pools, carnival games, 5k runs, and even beer. These events evolved from swim-calls and have been a tradition for decades, although they were originally male-only. Now, they are co-ed and more politically correct.
On rare occasions, 'Beer Days' can coincide with Steel Beach parties. US Navy ships have been dry for 100 years, but after 45 days of continuous sailing and at least five days from the nearest port, a Beer Day can occur at the captain's discretion and with approval from superiors. During Beer Days, each crew member of legal drinking age without near-term staffing commitments is allowed to have two beers.
One such Beer Day was held on April 20, 2003, on the USS Harry Truman during a break from high-tempo operations in the opening phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Steel Beach parties provide a day off for the crew and are especially useful when Carrier Groups have been running cyclic operations during combat situations and a port visit is not possible. They offer a chance for crew members to get some fresh air, see the horizon, and remember that there is life outside their posts.
In addition to the picnic-style activities and beer, Steel Beach parties usually coincide with other events and activities. Music is a staple, and unique activities such as boxing matches, concerts, or fireworks displays may also be organised.
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Beer consumption in foreign ports
Alcohol consumption in the Navy is a highly regulated affair, with rules and restrictions in place to maintain order and discipline among naval personnel. One of the key policies regarding alcohol in the Navy pertains to its consumption on ships. Since 1912, when Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels issued General Order 99, alcoholic beverages have been banned from US Navy ships. This policy has been consistently enforced, with some accounts suggesting that even after extended periods at sea, the authorization of alcohol consumption, or "beer days", are rare.
However, there is some nuance to the policy. While the consumption of alcohol may be prohibited during deployments, there are certain traditions and events that allow for controlled drinking. One such example is the "'steel beach party', where naval personnel can enjoy beers and a swim call in a well deck. These parties are often held after long periods at sea, providing a much-needed opportunity for relaxation and camaraderie.
In foreign ports, the consumption of beer and other alcoholic beverages by naval personnel is subject to the regulations of the respective country or port policies. While there may be some flexibility in these settings, it is important to recognize that the Navy's overall policy on alcohol aims to promote responsibility and discipline. As such, excessive drinking or any behavior that brings discredit to the Navy or impacts operational readiness is strictly prohibited, regardless of location.
The Navy also recognizes that alcohol consumption can impact the health and well-being of its personnel. As a result, education and support services are provided to promote responsible drinking and address any potential issues that may arise from alcohol abuse. Overall, the Navy's policy on alcohol consumption, including beer consumption in foreign ports, aims to balance the morale and welfare of its sailors with the need for discipline and operational readiness.
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Frequently asked questions
No, alcoholic beverages are banned on US Navy ships.
Alcohol was banned on US Navy ships in 1912 by the Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels under President Woodrow Wilson with General Order 99.
Yes, there have been rare instances where alcohol has been authorised on US Navy ships, such as during a "beer day" or a "steel beach party". However, these occurrences are not guaranteed and seem to be granted at the discretion of the ship's leadership.
There doesn't seem to be a set frequency for "beer days". In one instance, a ship waited 89 days before being told they would have to wait another 45 days, at which point they did not receive a "beer day".
Yes, alcohol consumption may be permitted for US Navy personnel when they are on land or at port. However, this is likely regulated and may depend on specific circumstances and the discretion of the command structure.
