TACCO: Tactical Control Office: the NFO in an S- 3.
TACTICAL CIRCUIT: A term used in these books that encompasses a wide range of actual circuits used onboard 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 word “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 Magruder.
TOP GUN: Advanced fighter training command.
UA: Unauthorized Absence, the modern term for AWOL.
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 submarine, 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.