During World War II, the age of a typical destroyer captain could vary, but many were in their late 20s to early 40s. Officers in charge of destroyers often rose through the ranks after years of service, so a captain would likely have gained significant experience in naval operations before taking command. By the time a naval officer reached the rank of destroyer captain, they would usually be in their early 30s or older, as command of a warship required extensive training and leadership experience.
Typical Age of a WWII Destroyer Captain
Destroyer captains during World War II were typically in their late 20s or early 30s, although some were older, particularly if they had gained experience in multiple roles before assuming command. The U.S. Navy often promoted younger officers quickly during the war due to the demands of the conflict, but the captain of a destroyer would still be a highly experienced individual. Many captains had served in naval battles, on different classes of ships, or in various operational roles before taking command.
There were certainly some older captains as well, especially those who had served before the war or were later assigned to larger ships or more strategic roles. However, the age range for destroyer captains tended to be younger compared to other, more senior officers in the Navy, as destroyers were generally assigned to younger, more dynamic officers.
Tom Hanks in Greyhound
Tom Hanks, who portrays Captain Ernest Krause in the 2020 film Greyhound, was born in 1956, which would make him in his 60s during the filming of the movie. The character he plays is a naval officer commanding a U.S. Navy destroyer during the Battle of the Atlantic. While Hanks was significantly older than the typical age of a World War II destroyer captain, this doesn't necessarily make his portrayal "too old" for the role.
In Greyhound, the character Captain Krause is portrayed as a first-time commander, which aligns with the fact that many younger officers during WWII were given command of warships, even at a relatively early stage in their careers. However, in the film, the character is described as being somewhat older, which is plausible given that not every destroyer captain was in their 20s or early 30s. The character's experience, doubts, and self-confidence reflect his personal journey, and while Hanks was older than most of the WWII-era destroyer captains, his portrayal still fits the narrative.