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Navy Terminology
This stack goes over common terms with new names in the Navy
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Adrift | Loose from moorings and out of control |
Aft-end | Near or toward the stern of the vessel |
All hands | The entire ship's company, both officer and enlisted |
Allotment | An amount of money a member has coming out of his regular pay |
Aye-aye | Reply to an order or command meaning "I understand and will comply" |
Barracks | Building where Sailors live |
Below | Downstairs |
Brightwork | Brass or shiny metal kept polished rather than painted |
Bunk / Rack | Bed |
Buoy | An anchored float used as an aid to navigation or to mark the location of an object |
Carry on | An order to resume work or duties |
Cast off | To throw off; to let go; to unfurl |
Chain locker | Compartment to which anchor chain is stowed |
Chit / Chit book | Coupon or receipt book |
Chow hall / Mess deck | Place to eat |
Colors | Raising or lowering of a national flag, Ceremonies held at 0800 and sunset for hoisting and hauling down the national ensign |
Deep six | To dispose of by throwing over the side |
Ensign | National flag ; commissioned officer between the rank of Chief Warrant Officer and Lieutenant Junior Grade |
Fast | Snugly secured |
Fathom | A unit of length (equal to 6 feet) used for measuring the depth of water |
Flag officer | Any commissioned officer in paygrade O-7 or above |
Galley | Kitchen |
Gangway | An opening in a bulwark or lifeline that provides access to a brow or accommodation ladder ; and order meaning clear way |
Gear locker | Storage room |
Geedunk | Candy, gum, or cafeteria |
General quarters | Battle stations |
Liberty | Permission to leave base (usually for not more than 48 hours) |
Lifeline | Lines erected around the weatherdecks of a ship to prevent personnel from falling or being washed over the side |
Overhead | Ceiling |
Passageway | Hallway |
Quarters | Assembling of all hands for muster, instruction, and inspection |
Rating | A job specialty title |
Reveille | Wake up, start a new day |
Scullery | A place to wash dishes |
Scuttlebutt | Drinking fountain ; a rumor |
Secure | Lock, put away or stop work |
Sickbay | Hospital or Medical clinic |
Swab | Mop |
Taps | Time to sleep, end of day |
Tattoo | Five minutes before taps |
Topside | Upstairs |
Turn to | Begin work |
Working aloft | Working above the highest deck ; generally performing maintenance on the ships mast |