Tin Can Sailors
Tin Can Sailors at Post 166 connects destroyer veterans, families, and supporters who want to preserve destroyer history and support today’s Navy. The national association was founded in 1976, and its mission is to honor service aboard U.S. Navy destroyers, keep the stories alive, and build camaraderie among members.
What we do
- Share destroyer heritage through talks, displays, and remembrance events, often alongside our Legion Family.
- Visit and support museum ships that keep destroyer history on public view. As a member benefit, many Historic Naval Ships Association museums offer free or discounted admission when you show a current Tin Can Sailors card.
- Stay connected through The Tin Can Sailor, a quarterly magazine mailed to members, with features from World War II through the modern fleet.
Who can join
Membership in Tin Can Sailors is open to those who rode *Tin Cans* …destroyer veterans, and their families.
Why it matters
Member dues and donations fund grants to “Historic Fleet” destroyers, museum-ship projects, and educational outreach, which helps keep these ships and their stories accessible to the public. Tin Can Sailors is a 501(c)(19) nonprofit.
Get involved
Join us through Post 166 or sign up with the national association, then plug into meetings, museum visits, and service opportunities here in the Lowcountry. If you have destroyer experience or a family story to share, we would love to hear it.