Naval Ranks & Roles
This is the highest enlisted paygrade in the U.S. Navy and serves as the senior enlisted advisor to the Chief of Naval Operations.
Who is the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON)?
A Boatswain's Mate, navigating treacherous waters, would appreciate the clarity of victory at this 1805 naval battle, where Admiral Nelson's British fleet decisively defeated the combined French and Spanish navies, securing British naval supremacy for a century.
What is the Battle of Trafalgar?
This year for the Army/Navy game the crew of USS New York (ACR-2) had a GOAT present, to which the Midshipmen attributed the victory to the presence of the goat. From this point onward, the U.S. Naval Academy’s tradition of having a goat as a mascot was born.
What is 1893?
DAILY DOUBLE! DAILY DOUBLE! DAILY DOUBLE! DAILY DOUBLE! DAILY DOUBLE! DAILY DOUBLE!
This battleship is the closest geographically located ship to Pensacola, FL.
What is the USS Alabama?
This term describes a Sailor always having a perfect shave, perfectly ironed uniform, and spit-shined boots.
What is "Squared away"?
This 1986 film starring Tom Cruise as Lt. Pete “Maverick” Mitchell helped define the Navy’s image in pop culture and boosted Navy recruitment.
What is Top Gun?
This officer rank directly follows Ensign (O-1) and typically serves as a division officer aboard ships or submarines.
What is Lieutenant Junior Grade (LTJG)?
For a Hospital Corpsman, tending to casualties in the Pacific, this 1942 carrier battle, a turning point in the Pacific Theater, saw the US Navy sink four Japanese aircraft carriers, severely crippling their naval air power.
What is the Battle of Midway?
Red sky at night is a sailor's __________? Red sky in the morning sailors take_______?
What are "delight" and "warning"?
This battleship which was bombed off the coast of Yemen, is named after a Marine Corps Sergeant, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
What is the USS Cole?
This is a pejorative term for a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. So named for their large collegiate rings.
What is a "Door Knocker"?
This best-selling Tom Clancy novel (and 1990 film) features a Soviet submarine captain trying to defect to the U.S. Navy.
What is The Hunt for Red October?
First introduced in 1948, this Navy rate combined skills in health records, pharmacy, and patient care before becoming its own specialty.
What is Hospital Corpsman?
An Aviation Ordnanceman would have been busy prepping bombs and torpedoes for the planes involved in this 1944 battle, the largest naval battle in history, fought off the coast of the Philippines.
What is the Battle of Leyte Gulf?
The Tattoo of a Pig on the top of the Left Foot and Rooster on of the top right foot was thought to prevent this.
What is drowning?
This battleship was sunk during the attack on Pearl Harbor, HI and has since been turned into a museum.
What is the USS Arizona?
This term is used to describe signing off of maintenance, training, and qualifications, without them actually being completed.
What is "Gun-decking"?
This 2012 sci-fi movie, loosely based on a board game, featured the U.S. Navy battling alien invaders near Hawaii.
What is Battleship?
This term refers to the Navy’s organizational structure of authority, from Seaman Recruit to Admiral, reflecting roles, responsibilities, and leadership scope.
What is the Chain of Command?
A Marine Corps Machine Gunner would have felt the heat of combat during this 1918 battle on the Western Front, a key engagement where American Marines distinguished themselves by holding their ground against fierce German assaults.
What is the Battle of Belleau Wood?
This ceremony that takes place after crossing the Arctic Circle, when Sailors would test their endurance and ability to handle extreme cold.
What is the "Blue Nose" ceremony?
This is the Navy's first steam-powered warship.
What is the USS Demologos?
This term is used to describe a Sailor who is leaving the command or retiring/separating soon.
What is "Short-timer"?
This iconic song, often sung at funerals, includes the line “Eternal Father, strong to save.”
What is The Navy Hymn?
In the early 20th century, this now-defunct rate handled mail and served aboard ships and at shore stations until it merged into the Yeoman rating.
What is Mail Clerk?
A Yeoman, meticulously recording dispatches, might be interested in the strategic orders issued by Admiral Chester Nimitz before this 1942 battle, which relied heavily on intercepted Japanese communications.
What is the Battle of Midway?
This ceremony takes place after crossing the Equator and International Date Line simultaneously.
What is the "Golden Shellback" ceremony?
These warships are the Navy's original six frigates.
What is the USS United States, USS Constitution, USS Constellation, USS Congress, USS President, and USS Chesapeake?
This term, now considered derogatory, describes Sailors who have served together, usually onboard a vessel.
What is "Shipmate"?
This 2012 action film starred Active-Duty SEALs and SWCC Sailors from SEAL Team 7.
What is Act of Valor?