Fragged — as planned or previously assigned. “Proceed as fragged.”
Fulcrum — NATO code name for MiG-29 series aircraft.
g — the force of gravity. “4 g’s” is four times the force of gravity.
GPS — Global Positioning System
Growler — popular name of EA-18G Airborne Electronic Attack aircraft, a Super Hornet variant.
Gunner — squadron ordnance officer; typically a Chief Warrant Officer specially trained in weapons handling and loading.
HARM — High Speed Anti-Radiation Missile (AGM-88) used to home in on radar energy.
Hawkeye — popular name for E-2C Early Warning aircraft, also known as the Hummer.
Hellfire — popular name for AGM-114 air-to-surface missile.
Helo — helicopter
Hornet — popular name for FA-18C Strike Fighter.
HS — Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron
HSC — Helicopter Combat Support Squadron
HUD — Head-Up Display. Glass display in front of FA-18 pilot that depicts aircraft and weapons delivery information.
ICS — Inter Cockpit Communication System
IP — Initial Point
ISR — Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance
JO — Junior Officer — lieutenant (O-3) and below.
JTAC — Joint Tactical Air Controller (formerly FAC — Forward Air Controller).
Knot — nautical mile per hour. One nautical mile is 2,000 yards or 6,000 feet.
LCS — Littoral Combat Ship
LEX — Leading Edge Extension. Narrow part of FA-18 wing leading to the nose of the aircraft.
LSO — Landing Signal Officer, also known as “Paddles.”
MANPAD — Man Portable Air Defense System. (“Hand-held” SAM)
MIDS — Multifunctional Information Distribution System; displays linked information from other aircraft to build situational awareness.
Mk-76 — 25 lb. practice bomb, aka “blue death.”
Mother — radio reference for the aircraft carrier.
Ninety-Nine — radio broadcast call used to gain attention; i.e. “listen up.”
NORTHCOM — U. S. Northern Command
Nugget — first cruise pilot
NVGs — Night Vision Goggles
OPSO — Operations Officer
PLAT — Pilot Landing Aid Television; closed circuit video picture of flight deck operations.
Plug — take fuel from tanker.
Rhino — slang name for FA-18E/F Super Hornet.
ROE — Rules of Engagement
RPG — Rocket Propelled Grenade
RTB — Return to Base
SAM — Surface-to-air missile
SAR — Search and Rescue (CSAR is Combat Search and Rescue).
Seahawk — popular name for MH-60 series multi-mission helicopter.
Sidewinder — popular name for AIM-9 infrared heat seeking air-to-air missile.
Sierra — slang name for MH-60S Seahawk.
SLAM-ER — Standoff Land Attack Missile — Expanded Response.
SOF — Special Operating Forces
SOUTHCOM — U.S. Southern Command
Strike — tactical airspace controller/coordinator in vicinity of ship.
Super Hornet — popular name for upgraded FA-18E/F single seat or two-place Strike Fighter with increased range and payload; also known as “Rhino.”
Texaco — nickname for a tanker aircraft, typically S-3B.
TLAM — Tomahawk Land Attack Missile; long range cruise missile launched from surface ships and submarines.
TOPGUN — Navy Fighter Weapons School, Fallon, NV
Trap — arrested landing
VAQ — Fixed Wing Electronic Attack squadron
VAW — Fixed Wing Early Warning squadron
VFA — Fixed Wing Fighter Attack squadron
VID — visual identification
Viper — slang name for F-16 Fighting Falcon.
VLS — Vertical Launch System; missile launchers found on cruisers and destroyers.
Winchester — out of ordnance
Wire — A 1.25” diameter steel cable stretched across carrier landing area to arrest tailhook aircraft, also known as “the cable” or “cross deck pendant.”
XO — Executive Officer
CVW-6 “Broadsword” call letters AE “Alpha Echo”
VFA-23 Blue Lancers (100) “Raider” FA-18F RR 7
VFA-54 Hells Angels (200) “Hobo” FA-18E RR 6
VFA-16 Firebirds (300) “Ridgeline” FA-18C RR 5
VFA-62 Hunters (400) “Arrow” FA-18E RR 8
VAQ-144 Gremlins (500) “Comet” EA-18G RR 1
VAW-129 Sea Shadows (600) “Condor” E-2C RR 2
HSC-18 Rustlers (610) “Flintlock” MH-60S RR 4
HSM-76 Whalers (700) “Harpoon” MH-60R RR 3
Strike-Fighter Squadron SIXTEEN (VFA-16) Officers
CDR Jim Wilson Commanding Officer Flip
CDR Jennifer Schofield Executive Officer Annie
LCDR Ted Armstrong Operations Officer Stretch
LCDR Sam Cutter Maintenance Officer Blade
LCDR Rich Freeman Administrative Officer Ripper
LCDR Kristin Teel Safety Officer Olive
LCDR Chester Brown Maint. Material Control Officer Chet
LT Mike Rhodes Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor Dusty
LT Mark James Training Officer Trench
LT John Madden Quality Assurance Officer/LSO Coach
LT Eric Williams AV/ARM Division Officer Killer
LT Jacob Jensen Airframe Division Officer Big Jake
LT Ryan Rutledge Line Division Officer Ghost
LT Conner Davis Personnel Officer Irish
LTJG Tiffany Rourke Schedules Officer Macho
LTJG Joe Kessler NATOPS Officer/LSO Jumpin’
ENS Quan Smith Material Control Officer Quan
ENS Shane Duncan Intelligence Officer Wonder Woman
CWO4 Christian Short Ordnance Officer Gunner
Map
