SIDEWINDER: Anti-air missile carried by U.S. fighters.
SIERRA: A subsurface contact.
SONOBUOYS: acoustic listening devices dropped in the water by ASW or USW aircraft.
SPARROW: Anti-air missile carried by U.S. fighters.
SPETZNAZ: The Russian version of SEALS, although the term encompasses a number of different specialties.
SPOOKS: Slang for intelligence officers and enlisted sailors working in highly classified areas.
SUBLANT: Administrative command of all Atlantic submarine forces. On the West Coast, SUBPAC.
SWEET: When used in reference to a sonobuoy, indicates that the buoy is functioning properly, although not necessarily holding any contacts.
TACCO: Tactical control officer: the NFO in an S-3.
TACTICAL CIRCUIT: A term used in these books that encompasses a wide range of actual circuits used on board a carrier. There are a variety of C&R circuits (coordination and reporting), and occasionally for simplicity sake and to avoid classified material, I just use the world tactical.
TANKED, TANKER: Navy aircraft have the ability to refuel from a tanker, either Air Force or Navy, while airborne. One of the most terrifying routine evolutions a pilot performs.
TFCC: Tactical flag command center. A compartment in flag spaces from which the CVBG admiral controls the battle. Located immediately forward of the carrier’s CDC.
TOMBSTONE: Nickname given to Vice Admiral Matthew Magruder.
TOP GUN: Advanced fighter training command.
UNDERSEA WARFARE COMMANDER: In a CVBG, normally the DESRON embarked on the carrier. Formerly called the ASW commander.
VDL: Video downlink. Transmission of targeting data from an aircraft to a submarine with OTH capabilities.
VF-95: Fighter squadron assigned to Airwing 14, normally embarked on USS Jefferson. The first two letters of a squadron designation reflect the type of aircraft flown: VF = fighters, VFA = Hornets, VS = S-3, etc.
VICTOR: Aging Russian fast attack submarines, still a potent threat.
VS-29: S-3 squadron assigned to Airwing 14, embarked on USS Jefferson.
VX-1: Test pilot squadron that develops envelopes after Pax River evaluates aerodynamic characteristics of new aircraft. see envelopes
WHITE SHIRT: see shirts
WILCO: Short for “will comply.” Used only by the aviator in command of the mission.
WINCHESTER: In aviation, it means out of weapons. A Winchester aircraft must normally RTB.
XO: Executive officer, the second in command.
YELLOW SHIRT: see shirts