grey beard or graybeard navy

Hi

I came across this site while looking for anything about the topic and not not finding much else.

Anything would be helpful... I have been told it relates to tin-can sailors but I really don't know for sure.

Thanks

TheOldSailor

 

Tin cans(destroyers) were sometimes referred to as greyhounds of the navy.

Can't say I ever seen them called greybeards...Perhaps, this is the source of confusion.

 

Thanks for your replies.

I have been told that it was a group of sailors.... on destroyers but can't find the context.

USN 1980 - 1986. A tin-can sailor who should have never left the navy.

 

I've never heard of it either...but am very curious.

Please keep us updated on your findings.

 

I will but so far the only reference I found was to a group of Korean Vets and magazine call graybeard vets.
I think it's mostly about soldiers and/or marines... but not much for the navy..

The term came up in another group I am on and and another old sailor remembered hearing it but no details.
So I started to look and follow leads off leads... I have had some luck this way.

 

Yeah, I came across the Korean vet site while researching this. I saw it as just s humorous name for a veterans' group composed of older men.

There was this, that used the term to describe older Navy retirees.
Graybeards briefed by DLA Aviation leadership > Defense Logistics Agency > News Article View

There was this, that used the term to describe Navy officers in senior leadership positions.
CDR Salamander: Greybeards wanted: Back to Brown Water V

And the term was used in a derogatory way for Navy officers in senior positions in this piece.
Submarine develops Toxic Shock syndrome


While the term is used on navy related sites, it is not "navy" specific. Greybeard has been used for some time to describe older men, those in senior leadership positions, or those that have been with a business/company for a long time. The term can be used in either a humorous or derogatory fashion.

 

Hey, old friend, good to see you!

 

Hello

I have so many people that I can't remember or keep all straight.
Ho did we meet?

 

The old History Channel board, and I once ran into you sailing the Indianapolis at Mount Trashmore. Real name David. I was on the Saipan (LHA-2) in 1980-82, and if I recall correctly you did some time on the Nassau??

 

Sorry but I dont think Im the right Old Sailor.
Im a tin can sailor
80-86 and served on board USS Charles F. Adams DDG2 in mayport the last 3 of those years.

And Im Robby

 

Sorry for the confusion, and welcome aboard! Oddly enough the other theoldsailor was named Bob.