GLOSSARY OF TERMS Directory
A
AD - Aviation Machinist's Mate http://chinfo.navy.mil/navpalib/allhands/ranks/ratings/av-rates.html [15NOV98]
AE - Aviation Electronics Mate http://chinfo.navy.mil/navpalib/allhands/ranks/ratings/av-rates.html [15NOV98]
AEWBarRonPac - Airborne Early Warning Barrier Squadron Pacific Contributed by Larry Reed lcreed@pacbell.net [04JUN2000]
AIP - Avionics Improvement Package Contributed by Brett W. Thrailkill AT1(NAC) 672ccc@tnet.es [18NOV98]
AK - Aviation Storekeeper http://chinfo.navy.mil/navpalib/allhands/ranks/ratings/av-rates.html [15NOV98]
AM - Aviation Structural Mechanic http://chinfo.navy.mil/navpalib/allhands/ranks/ratings/av-rates.html [15NOV98]
Antisubmarine Action - An operation by one or more antisubmarine ships or aircraft, or a combination of both, against a particular enemy submarine http://www.dtic.mil/doctrine/jel/doddict/data/a/00494.html [21NOV98]
AO - Aviation Ordnanceman http://chinfo.navy.mil/navpalib/allhands/ranks/ratings/av-rates.html [15NOV98]
APU - Auxiliary Power Unit Contributed by Dick Reinhardt, AT1, CAC rr2mohawk@bendbroadband.com [23NOV98]
AS - Aviation Support Equipment Technician http://chinfo.navy.mil/navpalib/allhands/ranks/ratings/av-rates.html [15NOV98]
ASCSC - Anti-Submarine Classification and Analysis Center [21JUN2006]
ASW - Anti-Submarine Warfare Contributed by Brett W. Thrailkill AT1(NAC) 672ccc@tnet.es [18NOV98]
AT - Aviation Electronics Technician http://chinfo.navy.mil/navpalib/allhands/ranks/ratings/av-rates.html [15NOV98]
AW - Aviation Systems Warfare Operator http://chinfo.navy.mil/navpalib/allhands/ranks/ratings/av-rates.html [15NOV98]
AX - Aviation Anit-Submarine Warfare Technician Contributed by Brett W. Thrailkill AT1(NAC) 672ccc@tnet.es [17NOV98]
B
BANDITS - VQ-11 nickname. [15NOV98]
BATMEN - VP-24 nickname. [15NOV98]
BATMEN - VQ-2 nickname. [15NOV98]
BIG RED - VP-19 nickname. [15NOV98]
BLACK CATS - VP-91 nickname. Contributed by John Hampel johndhampel@yahoo.com [17NOV98]
BLACKHAWKS - VP-68 nickname. [15NOV98]
BLACKJACKS - VP-21 nickname. Contributed by Dale ‘Woody" Woods dalevp21@yahoo.com [17NOV98]
BLACK LIGHTNINGS - VP-31 nickname. [15NOV98]
BLUE ALIIS - VC-1 nickname. [15NOV98]
BLUE DRAGONS - VP-50 nickname. [15NOV98]
BLUE GEESE - VP-22 nickname. [15NOV98]
BLUE SHARKS - VP-6 nickname. [15NOV98]
BOOMERANGS - VP-48 nickname. [15NOV98]
BROADARROWS - VP-62 nickname. [15NOV98]
C
CAC - Combat Air Crew [15NOV98]
CASU - CArrier Service Unit---Units established to take care of the maintenance of the VB A/C such as PV's / PB4Y's. Due to the fact that these units were desginated VB's the CASU was assigned instead of the PATSU. Contributed by George B. Winter pbycat@bellsouth.net [18FEB99]
CHECKERTAILS - VC-5 nickname. [15NOV98]
CNAL - Commander, Naval Air Atlantic Contributed by Brett W. Thrailkill AT1(NAC) 672ccc@tnet.es [18NOV98]
CNAP - Commander, Naval Air Pacific (Now combined with CNAL) Contributed by Brett W. Thrailkill AT1(NAC) 672ccc@tnet.es [18NOV98]
CNO - Chief Naval Operations [15NOV98]
COBRAS - VP-60 nickname. [15NOV98]
COMNAVAIRPAC - Commander Naval Air Force U.S. Pacific Fleet [22NOV98]
COMPATWING - Commander Patrol Wing [07MAY99]
COMPATWINGSLANT - Commander Patrol Wings, U.S. Atlantic Fleet [07MAY99]
COMPATWINGSPACDET - Commander, Patrol Wings, U.S. Pacific Fleet Detachment [07MAY99]
CW - Continuous Wave. Radio communications using "Morse Code", essential for long range contact with "Home Base" prior to Satilites. Contributed by Dick Reinhardt, AT1-CAC rr2mohawk@bendbroadband.com [25NOV98]
COONDORS - VP-64 nickname. [15NOV98]
CRAWFISHERS - VP-94 nickname. [15NOV98]
D
DRAGONS - VP-56 nickname. [15NOV98]
E
EAGLES - VP-16 nickname. [15NOV98]
EVALUATORS - VX-4 nickname. [15NOV98]
EWAC - Electronic Warfare Aircraft Commander http://www.fas.org/irp/program/collect/ep-3_aries.htm [20NOV98]
EWOP - Electronic Warfare Operator http://www.fas.org/irp/program/collect/ep-3_aries.htm [20NOV98]
EWMC - Electronic Warfare Mission Commander http://www.fas.org/irp/program/collect/ep-3_aries.htm [20NOV98]
EXECUTIONERS - VP-93 nickname. [15NOV98]
F
FAETUPAC - Fleet Airborne Electronics Training Unit, Pacific Contributed by Bob Zafran vpfourever@gmail.com [12JUN2000]
FASOTRAGRULANT - Fleet Aviation Specialized Operational Training Group Atlantic Fleet Contributed by Peter Lindberg plindberg@surfnetusa.com [18NOV98]
FASOTRAGRUPAC - Fleet Aviation Specialized Operational Training Group Pacific Fleet Contributed by Peter Lindberg plindberg@surfnetusa.com [18NOV98]
FASRON - Fleet Aircraft Service Squadrons http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/avchr6.htm [15NOV98]
FATS - Force Aircraft Test Squadron [15NOV98]
FIGHTING MARLINS - VP-40 nickname. [15NOV98]
FAWTUPAC - Fleet All Weather Training Unit, Pacific http://history.navy.mil/branches/avchr8.htm [11NOV98]
FLYING PHANTOMS - VP-18 nickname. Contributed by Chief Jack chiefjk@att.net [15NOV98]
G
GOLDEN EAGLES - VP-9 nickname. [15NOV98]
GOLDEN HAWKS - VP-67 nickname. [15NOV98]
GOLDEN PELICANS - VP-44 nickname. Contributed by G. E. Stange GPWM@aol.com [30MAR99]
GOLDEN SWORDSMEN - VP-47 nickname. [15NOV98]
GRAY KNIGHTS - VP-46 nickname. [15NOV98]
H
HEDRON - HEadquarters SquaDRON [14JAN2001]
I
ICE PIRATES - VX-6 nickname. [15NOV98]
ICE PIRATES - VXE-6 nickname. [15NOV98]
IFT - In-Flight Technician Contributed by Brett W. Thrailkill AT1(NAC) 672ccc@tnet.es [18NOV98]
IRON MAN - VC-3 nickname. [15NOV98]
IRON MAN - VU-3 nickname. [15NOV98]
L
LIBERTY BELL - VP-66 nickname. [15NOV98]
LIONS - VP-90 nickname. [15NOV98]
M
MAD FOXES - VP-5 nickname. [15NOV98]
MAD - Magnetic Anomaly Detector; as in MAD boom http://www.netwalk.com/~popev/bg/FAQ/slang.html [21NOV98]
MAU - Master Augment Unit (MAU). Officially established on January 13, 1984, in NAS Brunswick, Maine. It was the first Naval Reserve P-3 Augment Unit to fly state-of-the-art P-3 Update II aircraft. Its mission was to direct, supervise and coordinate the training of assigned reserve personnel to attain and maintain maximum combat readiness for immediate employment with fleet patrol squadrons. Contributed by Mike Lebiedz mlebiedz@mediaone.net [E-Mail Updated 17NOV2000 | 26JAN98]
MINUTEMEN - VP-92 nickname. [15NOV98]
MPA - Maritime Patrol Aircraft [15NOV98]
N
NAC - Naval Aircrewman Contributed by Brett W. Thrailkill AT1(NAC) 672ccc@tnet.es [17NOV98]
NADEP - Naval Aviation Depot [13DEC2005]
NAF - Naval Air Facility [15NOV98]
NAS - Naval Air Station [15NOV98]
NATOPS - Naval Air Training and Operating Procedure Standardization Contributed by Brett W. Thrailkill AT1(NAC) 672ccc@tnet.es [18NOV98]
NAS - Naval Air Station [15NOV98]
NAVY FLYERS' CREED - I am a United States Navy Flyer. My countrymen built the best airplane in the world and entrusted it to me. They trained me to fly it. I will use it to the absolute limit of my power. With my fellow pilots, aircrews, and deck crews, my plane and I will do anything necessary to carry out our tremendous responsibilities. I will always remember that we are part of an unbeatable combat team-the United States Navy. When the going is fast and rough, I will not falter. I will be uncompromising in every blow I strike. I will be humble in victory. I am a United States Navy Flyer. I have dedicated myself to my country, with its many millions of all races, colors and creeds. They and their way of life are worthy of my greatest protection effort. I ask the help of God in making that effort great enough. [02DEC98]
NFO - Naval Flight Officer, Navigators and Taccos. (also Non-Flying officers, etc. pax ). Contributed by Bob Carter bobcarter55@me.com [E-Mail Updated 30AUG2000 | 26JAN99]
NRL - Naval Research Lab [15NOV98]
P
PATSU - PATrol Service Unit---Units established to take care of the maintance of the PBY's Contributed by George B. Winter pbycat@bellsouth.net [18FEB99]
PATWINGSLANT - Patrol Wings Atlantic Staff Contributed by CAPT Rick Magalis, USN(Ret) rmagalis@aol.com [30DEC98]
PPC - Patrol Plane Commander [15NOV98]
PEGASUS - VP-11 nickname. [15NOV98]
PELICANS - VP-45 nickname. [15NOV98]
PIRATES - VPU-1 nickname. [15NOV98]
PROS - VP-30 nickname. [15NOV98]
R
RED LANCERS - VP-10 nickname. [15NOV98]
REDTAILS - VC-8 nickname. [15NOV98]
REDTAILS - VU-8 nickname. [15NOV98]
ROAD RUNNER - VAH-21 nickname. Contributed by ATN3 Ray Heelydbldown@downcity.ne [16MAR98]
S
SAU - Squadron Augmentation Unit (SAU). Approximately 65% of the Naval Reserve personnel are in units categorized as "augmentation" units. These non-equipped units provide personnel only to various Active component commands at time of recall. Downsizing these augmentation programs will continue throughout FY 96. To accomplish this, often times, other force structure adjustments, including numerous unit inactivations, establishments and relocations may be required. Decisions affecting specific units are influenced by many factors including demographics, unit manning and readiness, active command mobilization requirements, training opportunities, and the impact on personnel. http://www.defenselink.mil/pubs/reduction/report3.html [15NOV98]
SCREAMING EAGLES - VP-1 nickname. [15NOV98]
SEA HAWKS - VP-23 nickname. [15NOV98]
SERE - Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape school [15NOV98]
SEVAL - Senior Electronic Warfare Tactical Evaluator http://www.fas.org/irp/program/collect/ep-3_aries.htm [20NOV98]
SKINNY DRAGONS - VP-4 nickname. [15NOV98]
STINGERS - VP-91 nickname. [15NOV98]
T
TACAMO - "Take Charge and Move Out!" In 1961, the Chief of Naval Operations used these words to task the development of a unique part of naval aviation. The nation needed a reliable strategic communications system between the President and other national command authorities with nuclear ballistic missile submarines. http://www.tacamo.navy.mil/tacamo_history.htm [14JUN2003]
TACCO - Tactical Coordinator (TACCO) [15NOV98]
TIGERS - VP-8 nickname. [15NOV98]
TOTEMS - VP-69 nickname. [15NOV98]
TRIDENTS - VP-26 nickname. [15NOV98]
TRIDENTS - VP-65 nickname. [15NOV98]
U
UNITAS - UNited InTernational Anti-Submarine Warfare Exercise [14JUL2005]
V
V - Heavier than air (i.e., VF = Fighting VB = Bombing VBF=Bombing-Fighting VBT=Bombing-Torpedo VS=Scouting VSB=Scout-Bombing VT=Torpedo VTB=Torpedo-Bombing VP=Patrol VPB=Patrol-Bombing VPT=Patrol-Torpedo VO=Observation VOS=Observation-Scout VSO=Scout-Observation VJ=Utility VJR=Utility-Transport VR=Transport (Multi-engine) VG=Transport (Single-engine) VH=Ambulance VN=Training VSN=Scout-Training VM=Miscellaneous (obsolete) VC=Composite squadron VCS=Cruiser Scouting Squadron VD=Photographic Squadron VF(N)=Night Fighting Squadron VGF=Escort-Fighting Squadron VGS=Escort-Scouting Squadron X=Experimental M=Marine Corps Prefix VL=Unpowerd Glider VLR=Transport Glider VLN=Training Glider , etc.). [18MAY2001]
VAH or VA(H) - Heavy Attack Squadron 1955-1971 http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/squades.htm [15NOV98]
VAQ - Carrier Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadron or Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadron 1968-present http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/squades.htm [15NOV98]
VB - Bombing Squadron or Light Bombing Plane Squadron 1928-1946 http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/squades.htm. [15NOV98] "...While many patrol squadrons were ID'd as "VP" at the beginning of WWII, by about mid-'42 the designation changed to "VB" for those who were considered bombing squadrons. The Navy squadrons receiving the PB4Y-1 Liberators, while initially having the old "VP" squadron ID attached from the PBY's, were known as "VB" squadrons until 30 September '44. From 1 Oct '44 forward, all Liberator and later Privateer squadrons were known as "VPB" squadrons, Patrol Bombing. With several of the war time PB4Y squadrons disestablished, the old squadron designator "VP" came back and took up with the WWII numbering (for example VPB-106 became VP-106) until mid '46..." Contributed by Ron PB4YGuy@aol.com..."
VC - Composite Squadron 1943-45, 1948-56 http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/squades.htm [15NOV98]
VC - Fleet Composite Squadron 1965-present http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/squades.htm [15NOV98]
VD - Photographic Squadron 1943-1946 http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/squades.htm [15NOV98]
VH - Rescue Squadron 1944-1946 http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/squades.htm [15NOV98]
VJ - Weather Squadron or Weather Reconnaissance Squadron 1952-1953 http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/squades.htm [15NOV98]
VJ - Photographic Squadron 1952-1956 http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/squades.htm [15NOV98]
VO - Spotting Squadron 1922 http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/squades.htm [15NOV98]
VO - Observation Plane Squadron or Observation Squadron 1923-45, 1947-49 1967-1968 http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/squades.htm [15NOV98]
VP - Patrol Squadron. "...While many patrol squadrons were ID'd as "VP" at the beginning of WWII, by about mid-'42 the designation changed to "VB" for those who were considered bombing squadrons. The Navy squadrons receiving the PB4Y-1 Liberators, while initially having the old "VP" squadron ID attached from the PBY's, were known as "VB" squadrons until 30 September '44. From 1 Oct '44 forward, all Liberator and later Privateer squadrons were known as "VPB" squadrons, Patrol Bombing. With several of the war time PB4Y squadrons disestablished, the old squadron designator "VP" came back and took up with the WWII numbering (for example VPB-106 became VP-106) until mid '46..." Contributed by Ron PB4YGuy@aol.com..."
VPB - Patrol Bombing Squadron 1944-1946 http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/squades.htm [15NOV98] "...While many patrol squadrons were ID'd as "VP" at the beginning of WWII, by about mid-'42 the designation changed to "VB" for those who were considered bombing squadrons. The Navy squadrons receiving the PB4Y-1 Liberators, while initially having the old "VP" squadron ID attached from the PBY's, were known as "VB" squadrons until 30 September '44. From 1 Oct '44 forward, all Liberator and later Privateer squadrons were known as "VPB" squadrons, Patrol Bombing. With several of the war time PB4Y squadrons disestablished, the old squadron designator "VP" came back and took up with the WWII numbering (for example VPB-106 became VP-106) until mid '46..." Contributed by Ron PB4YGuy@aol.com..."
VP-HL - Heavy Patrol Squadron (landplane) 1946-1948 http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/squades.htm [15NOV98]
VPM - Meteorological Squadron 1946-1947 http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/squades.htm [15NOV98]
VP-ML - Medium Patrol Squadron (landplane) 1946-1948 http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/squades.htm [15NOV98]
VP-MS - Medium Patrol Squadron (seaplane) 1946-1948 http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/squades.htm [15NOV98]
VPP or VP(P) - Photographic Squadron or Patrol Squadron (photographic) 1946-1948 http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/squades.htm [15NOV98]
VPU - Patrol Squadron Special Unit 1982-present http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/squades.htm [15NOV98]
VPW - Weather Reconnaissance Squadron 1945-1948 http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/squades.htm [15NOV98]
VPW - Air Early Warning Squadron 1948 http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/squades.htm [15NOV98]
VQ - Electronic Countermeasures Squadron 1955-1960 http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/squades.htm [15NOV98]
VQ - Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron 1961-present http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/squades.htm [15NOV98]
VS - Antisubmarine Reconnaissance "...During WWII some VS squadrons of OS2U aircraft were assigned to Naval District locations rather than fleet units. I was a member of VS-1 D-1 at NAS Squantum, Massachusetts, at the time it was commissioned in 1942. The D-1 indicated the First Naval District...DEVERS, Donald DDevers@aol.com..." [03JUN2001]
VU - Utility Squadron 1946-1965 http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/squades.htm [15NOV98]
VW - Air Early Warning Squadron or Airborne Early Warning Squadron or Fleet Early Warning Squadron 1952-1971 http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/squades.htm [15NOV98]
VW - Weather Reconnaissance Squadron or Fleet Weather Reconnaissance Squadron 1967-1975 http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/squades.htm [15NOV98]
VX - Experimental Squadron 1927-circa. 1943 http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/squades.htm [15NOV98]
VX - Experimental and Development Squadron or Operational Development Squadron or Air Operational Development Squadron or Air Development Squadron 1946-1968 http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/squades.htm [15NOV98]
VX - Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 1969-present http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/squades.htm [15NOV98]
VXE - Antarctic Development Squadron 1969-present http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/squades.htm [15NOV98]
VXN - Oceanographic Development Squadron 1969-1993 http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/squades.htm [15NOV98]
W
WHITE LIGHTNINGS - VP-17 nickname. [15NOV98]
WIZARDS - VPU-2 nickname. [15NOV98]
WOODPECKERS - VP-49 nickname. [15NOV98]
WORLD WATCHERS - VQ-1 nickname. [15NOV98]
Z
Z - Airships both rigid and non-rigid (i.e., ZRS=Rigid Scouting Airship ZNP=Non-Rigid Patrol Airship ZNN=Non-Rigid Training Airship ZK=Barrage Balloon ZF=Free Balloon, etc.). [18MAY2001]
ZP - Airship Patrol Squadron 1942-1961 http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/squades.htm [15NOV98]
ZP - FBlimp Squadron 1942-1961 http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/squades.htm [15NOV98]
ZP - Airship Patrol Squadron (All-Weather Anti-Submarine) or Airship Squadron or LTA Patrol Squadron 1942-1961 http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/squades.htm [15NOV98]
A BIT OF HISTORY: " CD-ROM: Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons Vol. 2 Stock No. 008-046-00195-2 The History of VP, VPB, VP(HL), and VP(AM) Naval Historical Center, Department Of The Navy, Washington, D. C...." [15JUN2000]
Patrol Squadron (VP) Histories Glossary 17KB