Navy Terms + Naval History

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 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 in 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 six feet) used for measuring the depth of water

flag officer

Any commissioned officer in paygrade O-7 and 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

head

bathroom or toilet

liberty

permission to leave the 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

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 ship's mast

When was the United States Navy established?

October 13, 1775

Who is the "father of the navy"?

John Paul Jones