Ask the Editors: Naval Address

The Answer:

When corresponding with a captain in the U.S. Navy, the appropriate form of address would be "Dear Captain," followed by the person's last name. Check out our Infoplease Style Guide to see other correct forms of address. If you choose to abbreviate the rank of an officer, the U.S. Navy provides its own Style Guide and suggests "Capt." An exception to this rule occurs if the title is being used in a Navy specific publication, and then it may appear as CAPT. For more information, see (the U.S. Navy Style Guide. Thanks for writing Ask the Editors!

-The Editors