Beer Day

Location

Beer Day is a tradition in the United States Navy. After 45 consecutive days out to sea, but not within 5 days of reaching a port, the Commanding Officer can authorize two beers for each crew member over the age of 21 (18 in some commands). This is generally the only exception to the US Navy's prohibition of alcohol aboard ship.

At other events such as Steel Beach Picnics, non-alcoholic brew such as O'Douls may be served, however this does not constitute a Beer Day.

Starting September 21, 2001, ten days after 9/11, the USS Dubuque (LPD-8) spent nearly 90 days at sea before receiving authorization to hold Beer Day.

On some Beer Days, the ration of beers per crew member are unregulated, causing sailors to become legitimately inebriated. Some sailors will sell their beers (or beer tickets in some commands) to other sailors up to $20.00 who wish to consume more alcohol at sea. This has been a problem in some commands, and since 2001, commands have taken measures to regulate Beer Days by having sailors sign for their beer tickets, ensuring that they won't be sold away.