Results of Captain’s Mast

In port, U.S. Navy sailors had liberty, a short, authorized time away from the ship. Liberty was not necessarily an escape from Navy regulations. Men caught breaking rules faced punishment by the Navy or local law enforcement.

For minor incidents, the commanding officer conducted a hearing called a captain’s mast. The captain heard the facts and determined punishment, if any. This Vietnam War–era document lists punishments that Capt. John Fair, commanding officer of the aircraft carrier Intrepid, issued to sailors at a captain’s mast. Most violations relate to the crew’s recent liberty in Japan: drunk and disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and failing to obey orders. Punishments include reduction in rate (demotion), loss of pay and restriction to the ship.