Do You Speak "Jackspeak"?
This term refers to both a drinking fountain onboard a ship and the latest rumors or gossip circulating through the crew.
"What is the scuttlebutt?"
This is the official founding date of the U.S. Navy, celebrated every year to commemorate when the Continental Congress authorized the first two armed vessels.
"What is October 13, 1775?"
This is the official march of the United States Navy, originally composed in 1906 and played at ceremonies worldwide.
"What is 'Anchors Aweigh'?"
Established in 1893, this rank is symbolized by a fouled anchor and the unique privilege of stepping into khaki uniforms.
"What is a Chief Petty Officer?" (Acceptable: "Chief")
During the traditional cake-cutting ceremony, the first slice of cake is cut using this ceremonial naval weapon.
"What is a cutlass?" (Acceptable: "Officer's sword")
If you are heading to this specific location onboard, you are either grabbing a candy bar, soda, or a scoop of ice cream.
"What is the Ship's Store?"
This legendary Revolutionary War naval hero is famous for shouting, "I have not yet begun to fight!" during the Battle of Flamborough Head.
"Who is John Paul Jones?"
This historic and grueling ceremony initiates Sailors into the "Solemn Mysteries of the Ancient Order of the Deep" when they cross the Equator.
"What is the Crossing the Line ceremony?" (Acceptable: "Shellback initiation")
This is the informal name given to the stylized eagle that sits atop a Petty Officer’s rating badge.
"What is a crow?"
This is the specific service dress uniform required for Navy officers attending the Ball, characterized by a short jacket and gold lace.
"What is Dinner Dress?" (Acceptable: "Dinner Dress Blue" or "Mess Dress")
This is the traditional Navy term for a bed or bunk, which can also be used as a verb meaning to go to sleep.
"What is a rack?" (or "What is 'hitting the rack'?")
This future U.S. President is widely considered the "Father of the American Navy" due to his fierce advocacy for a standing naval force in the 1790s.
"Who is John Adams?"
This formal, command-wide military dinner features strict rules of conduct, a "grog bowl" for violators, and is designed to build esprit de corps.
"What is a Dining-In?" (Acceptable: "Dining-Out" if guests are included)
On an enlisted dress uniform, a Sailor wears gold rating chevrons and service stripes instead of red only after completing this exact number of consecutive years of good conduct. (In the Old Navy)
"What is 12 consecutive years?"
This solemn ceremony, featuring an empty table set for one, a single red rose, and a slice of lemon, honors those who cannot celebrate with us.
"What is the POW/MIA Table ceremony?" (Acceptable: "The Missing Man Table")
This two-word phrase, traditionally given by a supervisor or officer, means to immediately stop what you are doing and clear the area.
"What is 'Lay out or Gang way'?" (or "What is 'Make a hole'?")
Authorized by the Naval Act of 1794, this famous heavy frigate earned the nickname "Old Ironsides" during the War of 1812.
"What is the USS Constitution?"
When a high-ranking officer or distinguished visitor boards or departs a ship, they are honored with these ceremonial bells and a pipe from a boatswain.
"What are Side Boys?" (or "What is piping over the side?")
Popularized by Sailors serving in the Pacific during the early to mid-20th century, this slang term refers to the unauthorized, highly stylized custom embroidery (like dragons or mermaids) hidden inside the folded cuffs of a Dress Blue jumper.
"What are Liberty Cuffs?"
According to Navy tradition, the first piece of birthday cake is given to the oldest Sailor in attendance, who then passes it to this person to symbolize the passing of knowledge.
"Who is the youngest Sailor present?"
(Bonus: Name the Sailor)
If a shipmate asks you to pass the "bug juice," they are asking you to hand them this specific, brightly colored beverage found in the galley.
"What is powdered/packet drink mix?" (Acceptable: "Kool-Aid" or "hydrating drink syrup")
This war, fought against North African states from 1801 to 1805, was the newly formed U.S. Navy's first major overseas conflict and inspired a line in the Marines' Hymn.
"What is the First Barbary War?" (Acceptable: "The Barbary Wars")
Before earning the title of "Trusty Shellback," a Sailor who has never crossed the Equator is referred to by this slimy, two-syllable term.
"What is a Pollywog?"
When the Navy introduced the E-8 and E-9 paygrades in 1958, the first Senior and Master Chiefs didn't wear stars on their anchors . Instead, they were distinguished by this physical addition to their rating badges.
"What is a silver bar?" (Note: The stars above the crows/anchors were not officially introduced until 1965)
During the opening toasts, it is strict military protocol that this specific toast must be the very first toast of the evening.
"What is the toast to the Commander-in-Chief?" (Acceptable: "Toast to the President of the United States")