Navy Terminology
Terms
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- adrift
- loose from moorings and out of control (applied to anything lost, out of hand, or left lying about)
- Aft-End
- Near or toward the stern of the vessel
- all hands
- the entire ships company
- 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 or 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
- the throw off; let go; unfurl
- chain locker
- Compartment in which chain anchor 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 rack of Chief Warrant Officer and Lieutenant Junior Grade
- fast
- snugly secured
- 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. An order meaning to clear the way.
- gear locker
- storage room
- geedunk
- candy, gum, or cafeteria
- general quarters
- battle stations
- liberty
- permission to leave the base (usually not for 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
- job specialty title
- reveille
- wake up, start a new day
- scullery
- place to wash dishes
- scuttlebutt
- a drinking fountain, 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