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March 27, 2006 11:42 PM

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.

posted by awesomebrad to society & culture (10 comments total)

Dear Vice Admiral blah blah blah, USN, Ret.
posted by nathan_teske at 12:03 AM on March 28, 2006

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

According to this list - it's "Dear Admiral."
posted by plokent at 12:12 AM on March 28, 2006

According to this page you would write the like this:

Vice Admiral H. R. Pufnstuf
USN, Retired
23 Gilbert St
Sullivantown, MN 12345

Dear Vice Admiral Pufnstuf,

posted by grouse at 12:13 AM on March 28, 2006

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

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

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

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

Hey thSailor?
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