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March 27, 2006 11:42 PM Subscribe
What is the correct form of address for a retired vice admiral in the United Stated Navy?
I need to send a letter (well, and e-mail, but I'm writing it as if a letter) to a retired vice admiral. I'm not sure how to open it, and am consequently procrastinating. My initial thought would be "Dear Vice Admiral," but I honestly have no idea. It's possible that there is no special form of address since he's retired. Thanks in advance everyone.
I need to send a letter (well, and e-mail, but I'm writing it as if a letter) to a retired vice admiral. I'm not sure how to open it, and am consequently procrastinating. My initial thought would be "Dear Vice Admiral," but I honestly have no idea. It's possible that there is no special form of address since he's retired. Thanks in advance everyone.
Response by poster: It occurs to me that I should mention that I'm a civilian.
nathan_teske: USN, Ret. in the greeting, before the body of the letter?
posted by awesomebrad at 12:08 AM on March 28, 2006
nathan_teske: USN, Ret. in the greeting, before the body of the letter?
posted by awesomebrad at 12:08 AM on March 28, 2006
Best answer: According to this list - it's "Dear Admiral."
posted by plokent at 12:12 AM on March 28, 2006
posted by plokent at 12:12 AM on March 28, 2006
Best answer: According to this page you would write the like this:
Vice Admiral H. R. Pufnstufposted by grouse at 12:13 AM on March 28, 2006
USN, Retired
23 Gilbert St
Sullivantown, MN 12345
Dear Vice Admiral Pufnstuf,
Best answer: I meant "Dear Admiral," not Dear Vice Admiral. And despite the instructions on that page, I would probably put "USN, Retired" on the same line as the rank and name. Don't put it in the greeting.
posted by grouse at 12:15 AM on March 28, 2006
posted by grouse at 12:15 AM on March 28, 2006
Would you believe "Sir".
I was a non-com in the Navy, all officers were referred to as Sir, despite rank (they were also referred to with less savoury terms).
It would seem the most appropriate salutation, given the nature of the correspondence medium and is also a generally acknowledged high form of respect (for both civilians and ex-military brass).
posted by strawberryviagra at 4:39 AM on March 28, 2006
I was a non-com in the Navy, all officers were referred to as Sir, despite rank (they were also referred to with less savoury terms).
It would seem the most appropriate salutation, given the nature of the correspondence medium and is also a generally acknowledged high form of respect (for both civilians and ex-military brass).
posted by strawberryviagra at 4:39 AM on March 28, 2006
Don't forget to close with :
"I have the honour, sir, to be your loyal and obedient servant" that was a requirement for closing letters in the Navy
But that may be taking it too far.
posted by strawberryviagra at 4:43 AM on March 28, 2006
"I have the honour, sir, to be your loyal and obedient servant" that was a requirement for closing letters in the Navy
But that may be taking it too far.
posted by strawberryviagra at 4:43 AM on March 28, 2006
As you are a civilian, absolutely do not close with the "obedient servant" bit. You don't actually "have the honor, sir," and it would be silly to claim you do.
posted by majick at 8:10 AM on March 28, 2006
posted by majick at 8:10 AM on March 28, 2006
Hey thSailor?
posted by gesamtkunstwerk at 3:38 PM on March 28, 2006 [1 favorite]
posted by gesamtkunstwerk at 3:38 PM on March 28, 2006 [1 favorite]
I added the honour bit to illustrate the weird honorifics associated with military salutations - just a little value ad.
I always found it really difficult to write that on my request forms, especially the one where I had to formally request to grow a beard (I kid you not).
posted by strawberryviagra at 12:58 AM on March 29, 2006
I always found it really difficult to write that on my request forms, especially the one where I had to formally request to grow a beard (I kid you not).
posted by strawberryviagra at 12:58 AM on March 29, 2006
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by nathan_teske at 12:03 AM on March 28, 2006