War Beneath the Waves (28 page)
Read War Beneath the Waves Online
Authors: Don Keith
(Signed)
P. F. SULLIVAN
Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy
P. F. SULLIVAN
Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy
APPENDIX V
GLOSSARY OF WORLD WAR II SUBMARINE TERMS
1-MC—
The shipwide intercom system aboard submarines.
The shipwide intercom system aboard submarines.
Aft—
The rearmost section of a ship.
The rearmost section of a ship.
After Battery Compartment—
Main section of the submarine behind the control room. This area housed battery cells and the enlisted men’s living and dining spaces.
Main section of the submarine behind the control room. This area housed battery cells and the enlisted men’s living and dining spaces.
Annunciator—
An electromechanical signaling device used to send orders to the engine room and maneuvering room.
An electromechanical signaling device used to send orders to the engine room and maneuvering room.
Ash Cans—
Slang term for depth charges.
Slang term for depth charges.
Astern—
A position or location behind the ship.
A position or location behind the ship.
ASW, A/S—
Antisubmarine warfare.
Antisubmarine warfare.
Ballast—
Tanks are filled with seawater, which acts as weight, causing the submarine to lose buoyancy and sink. To surface, compressed air is pumped into the tanks, forcing the seawater out and restoring positive buoyancy.
Tanks are filled with seawater, which acts as weight, causing the submarine to lose buoyancy and sink. To surface, compressed air is pumped into the tanks, forcing the seawater out and restoring positive buoyancy.
Battle Stations—
Preassigned places throughout the ship where crew members work during engagements with the enemy.
Preassigned places throughout the ship where crew members work during engagements with the enemy.
Beam—
Measured dimension of a ship at its widest part.
Measured dimension of a ship at its widest part.
Bearing—
The direction to a target in relation to the ship. For example, a target that was directly ahead would have a bearing of zero degrees.
The direction to a target in relation to the ship. For example, a target that was directly ahead would have a bearing of zero degrees.
Bilge—
Lower part of the submarine where wastewater and seepage collect.
Lower part of the submarine where wastewater and seepage collect.
Blowing—
Blowing a tank means expelling its contents by pumping compressed air into the tank to force out the water.
Blowing a tank means expelling its contents by pumping compressed air into the tank to force out the water.
Bow—
The nose or front of a ship.
The nose or front of a ship.
Brag Rags—
Miniature Japanese flags displayed on the conning tower or flown from the periscope shears of World War II U.S. submarines indicating the number of enemy vessels she had sunk.
Miniature Japanese flags displayed on the conning tower or flown from the periscope shears of World War II U.S. submarines indicating the number of enemy vessels she had sunk.
Bridge—
On a submarine, the small observation area on top of the sail, just above the conning tower.
On a submarine, the small observation area on top of the sail, just above the conning tower.
Brow—
A gangplank, ladder, or walkway leading from the submarine to the pier.
A gangplank, ladder, or walkway leading from the submarine to the pier.
Bubble, Down—
A device used to measure the degree of downward incline when diving a submarine.
A device used to measure the degree of downward incline when diving a submarine.
Bubble, “Ease the bubble.” “Zero bubble.” “Five degrees down bubble.”—
Orders to the stern planesman giving the angle of the dive or surfacing that is desired.
Orders to the stern planesman giving the angle of the dive or surfacing that is desired.
Bubble, Up—
Device used to measure the degree of upward incline when surfacing a submarine.
Device used to measure the degree of upward incline when surfacing a submarine.
Chief of the Boat, COB—
A petty officer in charge of enlisted personnel. This sailor was generally one of the most experienced of the enlisted men on board.
A petty officer in charge of enlisted personnel. This sailor was generally one of the most experienced of the enlisted men on board.
Christmas Tree—
The indicator light panel that shows the status of the various hull openings. The lights are red and green.
The indicator light panel that shows the status of the various hull openings. The lights are red and green.
Cigarette Deck—
The open, railed platform aft of a U.S. fleet submarine’s bridge.
The open, railed platform aft of a U.S. fleet submarine’s bridge.
Class—
Ship types are assigned to various classes based on type of construction and mission assignment. In the U.S. Navy, the name of the first vessel constructed within each class is assigned to the class. USS
Billfish
, for example, was a
Balao
-class submarine because USS
Balao
was the first boat in her class.
Ship types are assigned to various classes based on type of construction and mission assignment. In the U.S. Navy, the name of the first vessel constructed within each class is assigned to the class. USS
Billfish
, for example, was a
Balao
-class submarine because USS
Balao
was the first boat in her class.
Compensation—
The process of transferring ballast, in the form of water, between the variable tanks and between the variable tanks and sea, all to keep the boat level or at the proper attitude for diving or surfacing.
The process of transferring ballast, in the form of water, between the variable tanks and between the variable tanks and sea, all to keep the boat level or at the proper attitude for diving or surfacing.
Conn, Conning Tower—
The control room from which navigation and attacks were directed. It was most heavily used while operating at periscope depth.
The control room from which navigation and attacks were directed. It was most heavily used while operating at periscope depth.
Control Room—
The compartment just below the conning tower that contained all diving controls, the ship’s gyrocompass and its auxiliary, the air search radar, an auxiliary steering stand, the interior communications switchboard, and the radio room.
The compartment just below the conning tower that contained all diving controls, the ship’s gyrocompass and its auxiliary, the air search radar, an auxiliary steering stand, the interior communications switchboard, and the radio room.
CPO—
Chief petty officer.
Chief petty officer.
Damage Control—
Measures necessary to keep a ship afloat and in operational condition.
Measures necessary to keep a ship afloat and in operational condition.
Depth Charge—
Explosive charge used against submarines.
Explosive charge used against submarines.
Destroyer—
A naval vessel, usually equipped for either ASW or antiair operations. Sometimes referred to as a “tin can.”
A naval vessel, usually equipped for either ASW or antiair operations. Sometimes referred to as a “tin can.”
Displacement—
The weight of a boat or ship, as measured by the amount of water displaced when placing the vessel in water.
The weight of a boat or ship, as measured by the amount of water displaced when placing the vessel in water.
Diving Officer—
The officer on a submarine responsible for overseeing the submerging and surfacing of the boat as well as maintaining the desired depth.
The officer on a submarine responsible for overseeing the submerging and surfacing of the boat as well as maintaining the desired depth.
Diving Trim—
The condition of a submarine when flooding main ballast, safety, and bow buoyancy tanks so that the submarine will submerge with neutral buoyancy and zero fore and aft trim.
The condition of a submarine when flooding main ballast, safety, and bow buoyancy tanks so that the submarine will submerge with neutral buoyancy and zero fore and aft trim.
Dogs—
The hardware that secures a watertight door or hatch.
The hardware that secures a watertight door or hatch.
“Dolphins”—
Pins worn by submariners indicating they have “qualified in submarines.”
Pins worn by submariners indicating they have “qualified in submarines.”
Emergency Blow—
Command to release ballast from a submarine by rapidly pumping compressed air into ballast tanks, no matter how much noise may be generated in the process. This forces seawater out of the ballast tanks and enables an endangered submarine to reach the surface.
Command to release ballast from a submarine by rapidly pumping compressed air into ballast tanks, no matter how much noise may be generated in the process. This forces seawater out of the ballast tanks and enables an endangered submarine to reach the surface.
Engine Induction Valve, Main Induction—
Large valve that provides airflow to the diesel engines.
Large valve that provides airflow to the diesel engines.
Escort—
A ship or aircraft used to protect merchant ships, warships, or convoys.
A ship or aircraft used to protect merchant ships, warships, or convoys.
Fathom—
Six feet or 1.829 meters of water depth.
Six feet or 1.829 meters of water depth.
Final Trim—
When the fore and aft and overall weights are adjusted so that the boat maintains the desired depth on an even keel at slow speed and with minimum use of the diving planes.
When the fore and aft and overall weights are adjusted so that the boat maintains the desired depth on an even keel at slow speed and with minimum use of the diving planes.
Fire Control—
The mechanics of directing torpedoes or gunfire. Often refers to all crew members who participated in firing torpedoes.
The mechanics of directing torpedoes or gunfire. Often refers to all crew members who participated in firing torpedoes.
Flooding—
Filling a tank.
Filling a tank.
Flood Valves—
Covers at the bottom of certain ballast tanks that are opened to admit or push out seawater.
Covers at the bottom of certain ballast tanks that are opened to admit or push out seawater.
Galley—
A ship’s kitchen.
A ship’s kitchen.
Gradient—
A layer where the temperature of the seawater, and to a lesser degree its density, changes abruptly, thus sending sound waves of echo-ranging in a different direction, effectively hiding a submarine below the layer.
A layer where the temperature of the seawater, and to a lesser degree its density, changes abruptly, thus sending sound waves of echo-ranging in a different direction, effectively hiding a submarine below the layer.
Green Board—
The report that indicates all hull openings are shut, as shown on the hull opening indicator panel, or “Christmas tree.”
The report that indicates all hull openings are shut, as shown on the hull opening indicator panel, or “Christmas tree.”
Gyrocompass—
A compass that receives its directional information from a rapidly spinning gyroscope driven by electric motors. Its directive action is determined by the mechanical laws governing the dynamics of rotating bodies.
A compass that receives its directional information from a rapidly spinning gyroscope driven by electric motors. Its directive action is determined by the mechanical laws governing the dynamics of rotating bodies.
Head—
Naval term for a toilet.
Naval term for a toilet.
Helm—
The mechanism for steering a submarine, the wheel.
The mechanism for steering a submarine, the wheel.
Helmsman—
Crew member responsible for maintaining the direction of travel of the submarine.
Crew member responsible for maintaining the direction of travel of the submarine.
Knot—
A measurement of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour.
A measurement of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour.
Maneuver—
A change of speed, course, or formation to adjust position or take a new position.
A change of speed, course, or formation to adjust position or take a new position.
Mess—
To eat; a group of men eating together.
To eat; a group of men eating together.
Mess Deck—
Location of the crew’s eating area, in the aft battery.
Location of the crew’s eating area, in the aft battery.
Momsen Lung—
A breathing apparatus to permit an individual to breathe normally while escaping from a sunken submarine. It also serves as a gas mask in the submarine and as a life preserver on the surface. Named for submariner Charles “Swede” Momsen, who invented the device.
A breathing apparatus to permit an individual to breathe normally while escaping from a sunken submarine. It also serves as a gas mask in the submarine and as a life preserver on the surface. Named for submariner Charles “Swede” Momsen, who invented the device.
Officer of the Deck, OOD—
An officer on duty aboard a submarine who is acting as the commanding officer’s representative, usually in the conn.
An officer on duty aboard a submarine who is acting as the commanding officer’s representative, usually in the conn.
“Old Man”—
A seaman’s term for the captain of the ship.
A seaman’s term for the captain of the ship.
On Watch—
A sailor’s assigned period for being on duty, at work.
A sailor’s assigned period for being on duty, at work.
Outer Doors—
Doors in the hull of a submarine covering the exit of the torpedo tubes. These had to be open to the sea in order to fire torpedoes.
Doors in the hull of a submarine covering the exit of the torpedo tubes. These had to be open to the sea in order to fire torpedoes.
PCO—
Prospective commanding officer of a submarine.
Prospective commanding officer of a submarine.
Periscope—
An optical instrument that allowed submarines, while remaining submerged, to view activity on or above the surface.
Billfish
had two periscopes.
An optical instrument that allowed submarines, while remaining submerged, to view activity on or above the surface.
Billfish
had two periscopes.
Periscope Depth—
The depth at which a submerged submarine can extend its periscope above the surface of the sea.
The depth at which a submerged submarine can extend its periscope above the surface of the sea.
Picket—
A ship stationed for the purpose of picking up by radar the approach of the enemy.
A ship stationed for the purpose of picking up by radar the approach of the enemy.
Pinging—
Distinctive sound generated by an active sonar system.
Distinctive sound generated by an active sonar system.
Planes, Bow—
Horizontal rudders, or diving planes, extending from each side of the outside of the submarine near the bow.
Horizontal rudders, or diving planes, extending from each side of the outside of the submarine near the bow.
Planes, Stern—
Horizontal rudders, or diving planes, extending from each side of the the outside of the submarine near the stern.
Horizontal rudders, or diving planes, extending from each side of the the outside of the submarine near the stern.
Port—
The left side of a ship relative to someone who is facing forward, toward the bow.
The left side of a ship relative to someone who is facing forward, toward the bow.
Pressure Hull—
The submarine’s inner hull and conning tower, built of heavy steel to withstand the sea pressure.
The submarine’s inner hull and conning tower, built of heavy steel to withstand the sea pressure.
Pumping—
Employing a pump to transfer liquid from the tank to sea, from the sea into a tank, or from one tank to another.
Employing a pump to transfer liquid from the tank to sea, from the sea into a tank, or from one tank to another.
Quick Dive—
Quickly submerging a submarine while running on its main engines.
Quickly submerging a submarine while running on its main engines.
Radar, SD—
Nondirectional radar that could basically tell that an aircraft was approaching but not with any accuracy as to its direction.
Nondirectional radar that could basically tell that an aircraft was approaching but not with any accuracy as to its direction.
Radar, SJ—
Directional radar, which could be used to sweep the surrounding sea for targets. SJ radar was designed for search, ranging, and navigation. In addition to conducting surface searches, the radar masts could also be extended above the water before surfacing to check the area for enemy warships and aircraft.
Directional radar, which could be used to sweep the surrounding sea for targets. SJ radar was designed for search, ranging, and navigation. In addition to conducting surface searches, the radar masts could also be extended above the water before surfacing to check the area for enemy warships and aircraft.
Rag Hat—
Slang term for an enlisted submariner.
Slang term for an enlisted submariner.
“Rig for . . .”—
Command for the ship to be placed into some specified condition, as in “Rig for dive,” or “Rig for silent running.”
Command for the ship to be placed into some specified condition, as in “Rig for dive,” or “Rig for silent running.”
Rig for Dive—
Preparing the hull openings and machinery so the submarine can be quickly and safely submerged and controlled by flooding the main ballast tanks, using the diving planes, and operating on the main electric motors.
Preparing the hull openings and machinery so the submarine can be quickly and safely submerged and controlled by flooding the main ballast tanks, using the diving planes, and operating on the main electric motors.
Rudder—
A movable paddle at the stern of a submarine, used to determine the lateral direction of travel.
A movable paddle at the stern of a submarine, used to determine the lateral direction of travel.
Running Dive—
Submerging a submarine while running on battery power.
Submerging a submarine while running on battery power.
Sail—
The portion of a submarine above the main deck, including the conning tower.
The portion of a submarine above the main deck, including the conning tower.
Screw—
The device that, when turned by the ship’s engines, propels a submarine through the water. Sometimes called the “propeller.”
The device that, when turned by the ship’s engines, propels a submarine through the water. Sometimes called the “propeller.”
Shears—
The radio and radar antennas, periscope housings, searchlight, flagpoles, and lookout stands that tower high above the decks and water.
The radio and radar antennas, periscope housings, searchlight, flagpoles, and lookout stands that tower high above the decks and water.
Silent Running—
A condition under which all nonessential machinery and equipment is shut down in order to minimize the noise generated by a submarine. The object is to minimize the possibility of detection by a surface vessel or another submarine.
A condition under which all nonessential machinery and equipment is shut down in order to minimize the noise generated by a submarine. The object is to minimize the possibility of detection by a surface vessel or another submarine.
Snorkel—
A device extended above the surface from a submerged submarine to allow air to be pumped into the submerged submarine. This made it possible to run the submarine’s diesel engines so the batteries could be recharged.
A device extended above the surface from a submerged submarine to allow air to be pumped into the submerged submarine. This made it possible to run the submarine’s diesel engines so the batteries could be recharged.
Sonar—
Technology that relies on underwater sound propagation for navigation, communication, or detection of other vessels. SOund NAvigation and Ranging.
Technology that relies on underwater sound propagation for navigation, communication, or detection of other vessels. SOund NAvigation and Ranging.
The right side of a ship relative to a person who is facing forward, toward the bow.
Stationary Dive—
Submerging a submarine while the boat is not moving forward or backward but is stationary in the water.
Submerging a submarine while the boat is not moving forward or backward but is stationary in the water.
The rear section or tail of a submarine.
An auxiliary vessel that supplies and repairs submarines.
Submerged Condition—
A condition in which all of the vessel is completely submerged with the variable ballast set so that the submarine has neutral buoyancy and zero fore and aft trim.
A condition in which all of the vessel is completely submerged with the variable ballast set so that the submarine has neutral buoyancy and zero fore and aft trim.
Surface Condition—
When the ship has sufficient positive buoyancy after surfacing to be able to safely run on the main engines.
When the ship has sufficient positive buoyancy after surfacing to be able to safely run on the main engines.
Tank, Auxiliary—
Variable ballast tanks located at the submerged center of buoyancy, used to adjust the overall trim of the boat.
Variable ballast tanks located at the submerged center of buoyancy, used to adjust the overall trim of the boat.
Tank, Battery Freshwater—
Storage tanks for the distilled water used in the main storage batteries.
Storage tanks for the distilled water used in the main storage batteries.
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