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Monday, May 25, 2026
Memorial Day Navy, Part 2 - Beards
In a more civilized era than today, the U.S. Navy allowed men to wear beards and even staged
contests for growing them. Today we look at some World War II bearded swabbies.
I'd go on shore leave with any of these three fine sailors.
Allowing the beards to grow also saved on fresh water, a perpetual shortage on Navy ships and especially submarines. Never shaved with salt water but I've been told it ain't pleasant-Dee Exx
The Navy’s primary objection to beards isn't just about a uniform look; it's a safety hazard. Facial hair prevents an airtight seal on critical life-saving gear, specifically chemical/biological defense gas masks and the emergency firefighting respirators used constantly aboard ships and submarines.
I'm late to your discussion but when I entered the Navy in 1970, I had worn a beard for 2 years. I was told by the recruiter that it would be better for me to shave it off before boot camp or have it shaved off for me before training. Later that year, Admiral Elmo Zumwalt was appointed Chief of Naval Operations and began a large group of "Z-Grams" that that were designed to ease some long-held Naval regulations and reduce racism and sexism in the Navy. We could grow beards, sideburns, mustaches and longer hair which we had to keep well-groomed at all times. I regrew by beard that year and have worn it in one style or another for 56 years now.
Allowing the beards to grow also saved on fresh water, a perpetual shortage on Navy ships and especially submarines. Never shaved with salt water but I've been told it ain't pleasant-Dee Exx
ReplyDeleteGood point that I hadn't thought of.
DeleteThe Navy’s primary objection to beards isn't just about a uniform look; it's a safety hazard. Facial hair prevents an airtight seal on critical life-saving gear, specifically chemical/biological defense gas masks and the emergency firefighting respirators used constantly aboard ships and submarines.
ReplyDeleteIn wartime it seems some dress and grooming regulations go out the window for morale’s sake….:)
ReplyDeleteI'm late to your discussion but when I entered the Navy in 1970, I had worn a beard for 2 years. I was told by the recruiter that it would be better for me to shave it off before boot camp or have it shaved off for me before training. Later that year, Admiral Elmo Zumwalt was appointed Chief of Naval Operations and began a large group of "Z-Grams" that that were designed to ease some long-held Naval regulations and reduce racism and sexism in the Navy. We could grow beards, sideburns, mustaches and longer hair which we had to keep well-groomed at all times. I regrew by beard that year and have worn it in one style or another for 56 years now.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your story! I haven't shaved since 1973.
Delete