List of U.S. Navy acronyms


The United States Navy, like any organization, produces its own acronyms and abbreviations, which often come to have meaning beyond their bare expansions. United States Navy personnel sometimes colloquially refer to these as NAVSpeak. Like other organizational colloquialisms, their use often creates or reinforces a sense of esprit and closeness within the organization.

Official acronyms

For a comprehensive list of unit organizations in the United States Navy, see List of units of the United States Navy.

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1MC1 Main Circuit, shipboard public address system2MC – 2 Main Circuit, same as 1MC, but limited to the engine room3M – Maintenance and Material Management 3MA – Maintenance and Material Management Assistant3MC – Maintenance and Material Management Coordinator3MI – Maintenance and Material Management Inspection5MC – 5 Main Circuit, Carrier Flight Deck address system27MC – Battle Stations Main Circuit: Control Room, Sonar Room, Radio Room, and Fire Control address system

A

A-STRIKE – Assistant STRIKE Operations Officer AA – Airman Apprentice AAWAnti-Air WarfareAB – Aviation Boatswain's MateABE – Aviation Boatswain's Mate – Equipment ABF – Aviation Boatswain's Mate ABFD – Advanced Base Floating Dry Dock, class/type of shipABH – Aviation Boatswain's Mate AC – Air Traffic ControlmanACRArmored cruiser, class/type of shipAD – Auxiliary, Destroyer Tender, class/type of shipAD – Aviation Machinist's MateADCONAdministrative controlADNS – Automated Digital Network SystemADSW – Active Duty Special Work ADT – Active Duty Training AE – Auxiliary, Explosives, class/type of ship. An ammunition ship.AE – Aviation Electrician's MateAF – Aviation Photographer's MateAFC – Aviation Fire ControlAFCM – Master Chief Aircraft MaintenancemanAFFFAqueous Film Forming FoamAFS – Auxiliary, Fast Stores, class/type of ship. A supply ship that carries a little bit of everything, nicknamed "7-11"AFSBAfloat Forward Staging BaseAG – Aerographer's MateAIMD – Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department AK – Auxiliary, Cargo, class/type of ship. An attack transport.AK – Aviation Storekeeper ALNAV – All NavyALPO – Assistant Lead Petty OfficerAM – Aviation Structural MechanicAME – Aviation Structural Mechanic – Environmental, Aviation Mechanical ExceptionAMH – Aviation Structural Mechanic – HydraulicsAMMRL – Aviation Maintenance Material Readiness ListAMO – Assistant Maintenance OfficerAMS – Aviation Structural Mechanic – StructuresAN – AirmanAO – Auxiliary, Fleet Oil, class/type of ship; Aviation OrdnancemanAOE – Auxiliary, Oil, Explosives, class/type of ship.AOR – Auxiliary, Oil, Replenishment, class/type of shipAOW – Auxiliaryman of the WatchAPI – Aviation Preflight IndoctrinationAR – Auxiliary, Repair, class/type of ship. A repair shipAR – Airman Recruit ARRS – Afloat Readiness Reporting SystemARS – Auxiliary, Repair and Salvage, class/type of shipAS – Auxiliary, Submarine Tender, class/type of shipAS – Aviation Support Equipment TechnicianASAU – Air Search and Attack UnitASR – Auxiliary, Submarine Rescue, class/type of shipASUWAnti-Surface WarfareASVABArmed Services Vocational Aptitude BatteryASW – Auxiliary Seawater systemASWAnti-Submarine WarfareASWOAnti-Submarine Warfare OfficerAT – Annual Training AT – Aviation Electronics TechnicianATS – Auxiliary, Towing and Salvage, class/type of shipAUTECAtlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation CenterAUXO – Auxiliaries OfficerAVCM – Master Chief Avionics TechnicianAVGAS – Aviation GasolineAWCS – Assistant Work Center SupervisorAZ – Aviation Maintenance Administrationman

B

B/N – Bombardier/Navigator; NFO in A-3B Skywarrior, A-5A Vigilante and A-6 Intruder attack aircraft BAM – Bad Ass Marine BBBattleshipBCD – Bad Conduct Discharge BCGsBirth Control GlassesBCM – Beyond Capable Maintenance. Equipment status that indicates the item cannot be repaired and must be sent out for rework or disposed.BEQ – Bachelor Enlisted QuartersBESSBasic Enlisted Submarine SchoolBJOQBlue Jacket of the QuarterBJOYBlue Jacket of the YearBLUFBottom Line Up FrontBM – Boatswain's MateBMOWBoatswain's Mate of the WatchBOHICABend Over Here It Comes AgainBOLBUPERS OnlineBT – Boiler TechnicianBU – BuilderBUDS – Basic Underwater Demolition SchoolBUMEDBureau of Medicine and SurgeryBUPERSBureau of Naval PersonnelBUSANDABureau of Supplies and AccountsBUWEPSBureau of Naval WeaponsBZ – Bravo Zulu

C

CA – Construction ApprenticeCACruiser, Armoured, class/type of ship. Heavy Cruiser CAGCruiser, Attack, Guided Missile, class/type of ship. Guided Missile Heavy Cruiser CAGCommander, Air GroupCAPT – CaptainCBMU – Construction Battalion Maintenance UnitCASCAN – CASREP Cancellation or Cancellation of Casualty ReportCASCOR – CASREP Correction or Correction of the Casualty in the Casualty ReportCASREP – Casualty ReportCCCruiser, class/type of shipCCC – Comprehensive Communications CheckCDB – Career Development Board

D

• D1-R – 3M periodicity code or a shower DAPA – Drug and Alcohol Programs AdvisorDC – Damage ControlmanDC – Dental CorpsDCA – Damage Control AssistantDCAG – Deputy Air Wing Commander DCC – Damage Control CentralDCO – Damage Control Officer or Direct Commission OfficerDCPO – Damage Control Petty OfficerDDDestroyerDDGGuided Missile DestroyerDDRRadar Picket DestroyerDEDestroyer EscortDESDIV – Destroyer DivisionDESRONDestroyer SquadronDEVGRUNaval Special Warfare Development Group, formerly SEAL Team SIXDFM – Diesel Fuel Marine, standard Navy bunker fuelDILLIGAF – Does It Look Like I Give A Flip, standard Navy slangDIRNSADirector of the National Security AgencyDLDestroyer Leader DLGGuided Missile Destroyer Leader DLGN – Nuclear-powered Guided Missile Destroyer Leader DM – Destroyer Minelayer DM – Illustrator DraftsmanDMHRSi – Defense Medical Human Resources System – internetDODDepartment of DefenseDoNDepartment of the NavyDRB – Discipline Review BoardDRRS-NDefense Readiness Reporting System – NavyDS – Data Systems TechnicianDSG – Defense Strategic GuidanceDVSDepartment of Veterans Services, usually administered by each state

E

EAOS – End of Active Obligated ServiceEAWS – Enlisted Aviation Warfare SpecialistECRCExpeditionary Combat Readiness CenterEDMC – Engineering Department Master Chief EDO – Engineering Duty OfficerEEBD – Emergency Escape Breathing DeviceEIDWSEnlisted Information Dominance Warfare SpecialistEISM-Electronic Information Security ManagerELECTRO - Electrical OfficerEM – Electrician's MateEM – Emergency ManagementEMCON – Emissions ControlEMI – Extra Military InstructionEMN – Electrician's Mate, Nuclear FieldEMO – Electronics Material OfficerEN – EnginemanENS – EnsignEO – Equipment OperatorEOD – Explosive Ordnance DisposalEOOW – Engineering Officer of the WatchEOS – Enclosed Operating SpaceEOSS – Engineering Operational Sequencing SystemsERS – Engineroom SupervisorESWSEnlisted Surface Warfare SpecialistETElectronics TechnicianETN – Electronics Technician, Nuclear FieldEWElectronic Warfare

F

F/MC – Fleet Master ChiefFA – Fireman ApprenticeFACForward Air Controller
  • FAC – Fast attack craftFAC/A – Forward Air Controller/AirborneFBM – Fleet Ballistic MissileFC – Fire ControlmanFCDSSA - Fleet Combat Direction Systems Support ActivityFCF – Functional Check FlightFCPCP – Fleet Computer Programming Center of the PacificFCPOM – First Class Petty Officer's MessFDO – Flight Deck OfficerFF – Frigate, class/type of shipFFG – Frigate, Guided Missile, class/type of ship
  • FIAC – Fast Inshore Attack CraftFICEURLANT – Fleet Intelligence Center Europe & AtlanticFIGMO – F IT, Got My Orders
  • FIS – Fire Inhibit SwitchFLEACT – Fleet ActivityFLTMPS – Fleet Training Management and Planning SystemFMF – Fleet Marine ForceFMSS – Field Medical Service SchoolFN – Fireman
  • FNAEB – Field Naval Aviator Evaluation BoardFNMOCFleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography CenterFODForeign Object Damage
  • FPCON – Force Protection ConditionFR – Fireman RecruitFRC – Fleet Readiness CenterFRSFleet Replacement Squadron FSA – Food Service AttendantFSO – Food Service OfficerFTFire control technicianFTB – Fire Control Technician Ballistic MissileFTM – Fire Control Technician MissilesFTN – Forget the Navy FTN – Full-time Navy FTS – Full-time Support FWD - Forward

G

GCCS-M – Global Command and Control System-MaritimeGM – Gunner's MateGMG – Gunner's Mate GunsGMM – Gunner's Mate MissilesGMT – Gunner's Mate TechnicianGQGeneral Quarters GS – Guided MissilemanGSAGeneral Services AdministrationGSE- Gas Turbine Systems Technician – ElectricalGSM- Gas Turbine Systems Technician – Mechanic

H

HA – Hospital ApprenticeHAC – Helicopter Aircraft CommanderHEDSUPPACTLANT – Headquarters, Support Activity AtlanticHELO – HelicopterHMHospital CorpsmanHMFIC – Head Mother Fucker In Charge HNHospitalmanHR – Hospital RecruitHS – Helicopter Squadron, Anti-Submarine Warfare HT – Hull Maintenance Technician

I

IAMM – Individual Augmentation Manpower ManagementIAP – In Assignment ProcessingIAW – In Accordance WithIC – Interior Communications ElectricianICO – In Case Of IFS – Introductory Flight ScreeningIHO – Industrial Hygiene OfficerIMF – Intermediate Maintenance FacilityIMRL – Individual Material Readiness ListINCOM– IncomingIOIC - Integrated Operational Intelligence CenterIP – Irish Pennant – A loose thread of a Naval or Marine uniform.IRT – In Reference ToIT – Information System TechnicianITS – Information Technology Submarines

J

JAGJudge Advocate General's Corps, U.S. NavyJBDJet Blast Deflector JHSVJoint High Speed VesselJO – Journalist, Junior Officer

K

KISSKeep It Simple, Stupid

L

LANTCOM – Atlantic CommandLAWSLaser Weapon SystemLCACLanding Craft, Air Cushion.LCC – Amphibious Command Ship.LCDR – Lieutenant CommanderLCPO – Leading Chief Petty OfficerLCM – Landing Craft, Mechanized, class/type of boat. Usage: LCM-4, LCM-6, LCM-8LCPL – Landing Craft, Personnel Launch, class/type of boat.LCS – Littoral Combat Ship, class/type of ship.LCVPLanding Craft, Vehicle, Personnel, class/type of boat.LDOLimited Duty OfficerLESLeave and Earnings StatementLHA – Landing, Helicopter, Assault, class/type of ship.LHD – Landing, Helicopter, Dock, class/type of ship.LKA – Landing, Cargo, Attack, class/type of ship.LOSCA - Lube Oil Service Conditioning AssemblyLOCA - Loss Of Coolant AccidentLPD – Landing, Personnel, Dock, class/type of ship.LPA – Landing, Personnel, Attack, class/type of ship.LPH – Landing, Personnel, Helicopter, class/type of ship.LPOLeading Petty OfficerLPOD – Last Plane On DeckLRADLong Range Acoustic DeviceLSLogistics SpecialistLSD – Landing Ship, Dock, class/type of ship.LSOLanding Signal OfficerLST – Landing Ship, Tank, class/type of ship.LT – LieutenantLTJG – Lieutenant Junior Grade

M

MAAMaster-at-ArmsMALS – Marine Aviation Logistics SquadronMCMass Communication SpecialistMCO – Material Control OfficerMCPOMaster Chief Petty OfficerMCPONMaster Chief Petty Officer of the Navy MIDNMidshipmanMIDRATS – Midnight Rations
  • MLCPO – Machinery Division Leading Chief Petty Officer MM – Machinist's MateMMCO – Maintenance/Material Control OfficerMMCPO – Maintenance Master Chief Petty OfficerMMN – Machinist's Mate, Nuclear FieldMO – Maintenance Officer MOA – Memorandum of AgreementMOU – Memorandum of UnderstandingMPA – Main Propulsion AssistantMPA – Military Patrol Craft MR – Machinery RepairmanMRDB – Material Readiness DatabaseMRG - Main Reduction GearMSG – MessageMSW – Main Seawater SystemMT – Missile TechnicianMTS – Master Training SpecialistMU – Musician

N

NAB – Naval Amphibious BaseNAF – Naval Air FacilityNALCOMIS – Naval Aviation Logistics Command Management Information SystemNAMI – Naval Aerospace Medicine InstituteNAS – Naval Air StationNAS JRB – Naval Air Station / Joint Reserve BaseNATOPS – Naval Air Training and Operational Procedure StandardizationNAVAIRNaval Air Systems CommandNAVCOMPComptroller of the NavyNAVEDTRA – Chief of Navy Education and TrainingNAVFACNaval Facilities Engineering CommandNAVFLIGHTDEMRONNavy Flight Demonstration Squadron NAVMATNaval Material CommandNAVMILPERSCOM – Navy Military Personnel CommandNAVSEANaval Sea Systems CommandNAVSECGRUACTNaval Security Group ActivityNAVSTA – Naval StationNAVSUBASE – Naval Submarine BaseNAVSUPNaval Supply Systems CommandNAVTRA – Chief of Naval TrainingNAWCADNaval Air Warfare Center, Aircraft DivisionNAWCWDNaval Air Warfare Center, Weapons Division NBSDNaval Base San DiegoNC – Navy CounselorNCDU – Navy Combat Demolition UnitNCF – Naval Construction Force NCISNaval Criminal Investigative ServiceNCMNavy Commendation MedalNCTAMS – Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master StationNCTS – Naval Computer Telecommunications StationNECCNavy Expeditionary Combat CommandNeL – Navy eLearningNEXNavy ExchangeNFAAS – Navy Family Accountability and Assessment SystemNFONaval Flight OfficerNFO – Normal Fuel OilNIWCNaval Information Warfare Center NJROTC – Navy Junior Reserve Officers' Training CorpsNKO – Navy Knowledge OnlineNMCBNaval Mobile Construction Battalion SeabeesNMCINavy/Marine Corps IntranetNMPS – Navy Mobilization and Processing SiteNMTI – Navy Military Training InstructorNNPTU – Naval Nuclear Power Training UnitNNSYNorfolk Naval ShipyardNOSC – Navy Operational Support Center NOSR – Network On-Site RepresentativeNPC – Navy Personnel CommandNROTCNavy Reserve Officer Training CorpsNS – Naval StationNSAWCNaval Strike and Air Warfare CenterNSFONavy Special Fuel OilNSGA – Naval Security Group ActivityNSIPS – Navy Standard Integrated Personnel SystemNSWCNaval Surface Warfare CenterNSWGNaval Special Warfare GroupNSY – Naval ShipyardNTC – Naval Training CenterNUWCNaval Undersea Warfare CenterNWTD – Non Watertight DoorNWU – Navy Working Uniform

O

OAE – Old Antarctic ExplorerOBAOxygen Breathing ApparatusOBE - Overcome By EventsOCSOfficer Candidate School, located at Naval Station NewportOFS – Out Freaking Standing OIC – Officer in ChargeOM – On the MoveOMMS-NG - Organizational Maintenance Management System - Next GenerationOMPFOfficial Military Personnel FileONROffice of Naval ResearchOOC – Out of Calibration or Out of ComplianceOODOfficer of the DeckOOMA – Optimized Organizational Maintenance ActivityOPCONOperational controlOPNAV – Office of the Chief of Naval OperationsOPS-O – Operations OfficerOSA – Overseas Contingency Operation Support AssignmentsOTSR – Optimal Track Ship Routing

P

PACOMPacific CommandPAPERCLIP – People Against People Ever Reenlisting Civilian Life Is PreferredPAX – PassengersPCO – Prospective Commanding OfficerPCSPermanent Change of StationPDHA – Post-Deployment Health AssessmentPDHRA – Post-Deployment Health Re-AssessmentPFA – Physical Fitness AssessmentPHA – Physical Health AssessmentPHRA – Physical Health Re-AssessmentPLD – Permanent Limited DutyPIR – Pass in Review

Q

QAWTD/QAWTH – Quick Acting Water Tight Door/Quick Acting Water Tight HatchQM – QuartermasterQMOW – Quartermaster of the Watch

R

RADCON – Radiation ControlRADMRear Admiral (United States) RADM – Relational Administrative Data ManagementRAGReplacement Air Group, now known as Fleet Replacement Squadron RCA – Reactor Controls AssistantRDBM – Red Data-Base ManagerRDC – Recruit Division CommanderRDMLRear Admiral (United States) REPO – Repair Division OfficerRHIB ''Rigid Hull Inflatable BoatRIMPACRim of the PacificRIORadar Intercept Officer RLRestricted Line OfficerRM – RadiomanRMD – Restricted Maneuvering DoctrineROC – Readiness Operations CenterROC/POE - Required Operational Capabilities / Projected Operating EnvironmentRPM – Remedial Project ManagerRPReligious Program SpecialistRPOC – Recruit Petty Officer in Charge or Recruit Chief Petty OfficerROM – Restriction of movement RTRadiotelephone RTCRecruit Training CommandRTD – Return to Duty

S

S2F – Speed to FleetSA – Seaman ApprenticeSAG – Surface Action GroupSAMSurface-to-Air MissileSAPRSexual Assault Prevention and ResponseSAR - Search And RescueSARCSpecial Amphibious Reconnaissance CorpsmanSAU – Search and Attack UnitSCAT – Small Craft Attack TeamSCBASelf-Contained Breathing ApparatusSCPOSenior Chief Petty OfficerSCRAMSafety Control Rod Axe Man. Reactor emergency shutdown SCWSeabee Combat Warfare Specialist insigniaSE – Support EquipmentSESSurface Effect Ship, class/type of shipSEL – Senior Enlisted Leader SEALsUnited States Navy SEALs, officially termed Special Warfare Operators SEAOPDET – Sea Operational DetachmentSECDEFSecretary of Defense (United States)SECNAVSecretary of the Navy (United States)SFC - Static Frequency ConverterSICLOS – Shift Inspect Clean Lube Oil StrainersSitrep – Situation reportSLBMSubmarine-Launched Ballistic MissileSN – SeamanSNA – Student Naval AviatorSO – Special Warfare Operator, aka US Navy SEAL.SOFAStatus of Forces AgreementSONAR – Sound Navigation And RangingSOP – Senior Officer Present SOPASenior Officer Present AfloatSOQ – Sailor of the QuarterSOY – Sailor of the YearSPAWARSpace and Naval Warfare Systems CommandSPAWARSYSCENSpace and Naval Warfare Systems CenterSR – Seaman RecruitSRB – Selective Reenlistment BonusSRW – Shutdown Roving WatchSS – Submarine SpecialistSSSubmarine, class/type of shipSSBNHull classification symbol for ballistic missile submarine SSES – Ships Signals Exploitation Space: compartment on a ship where embarked NAVSECGRU personnel, known a Cryptologic Technicians, do their workSSGNHull classification symbol for cruise missile submarine SSMG – Ships Service Motor Generator; engine room equipment used to convert electric current from AC to DC or DC to ACSSNHull classification symbol for general-purpose fast attack submarines SSOQ – Senior Sailor of the QuarterSSOY – Senior Sailor of the YearSSTG – Ships Service Turbine GeneratorSTA-21 - Seaman To Admiral 2021STG – Sonar Technician SurfaceSTREAM – Standard Tension Replenishment Alongside MethodSTS – Sonar Technician SubmarinesSUBRONSubmarine SquadronSUBSAFESubmarine Safety ProgramSUPPOSupply OfficerSWCCSpecial Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen, the Special Operations Forces who operate and maintain an inventory of boats used to conduct special operations missions or to support special operations missions conducted in maritime environments, particularly those of the U.S. Navy SEALs.SWOSurface Warfare Officer

T

TADTemporary Additional Duty, equivalent to Army's TDYTADCEN – Training and Distribution CenterTAOTactical action officer TAR – Training and Administration of the Reserve TE – Task elementTFTask forceTFO – Temporary flight orders. Non-aircrew personnel that have passed the minimum requirements to act as part of the aircrew for some purpose, e.g. secondary door gunner.TFOA – Things falling off aircraftTG – Task groupTLD – Temporary limited dutyTM – Torpedoman's mateTOPGUNUnited States Navy Fighter Weapons SchoolTSP – Troubled systems processTU – Task unitTYCOMType commanders

U

UA – Unauthorized AbsenceUA – UrinalysisUASUnmanned Aerial SystemUAVUnmanned Aerial VehicleUCMJUniform Code of Military Justice

V

VA/VAM – Fixed Wing Attack/Fixed Wing Medium Attack VAQ – Fixed Wing Electronic-Attack SquadronVAW – Fixed Wing Airborne Early Warning SquadronVBSSVisit, Board, Search, and SeizureVCNOVice Chief of Naval OperationsVDS – Variable Depth SonarVERTREPVertical ReplenishmentVF – Fixed Wing Fighter VFA – Fixed Wing Strike Fighter SquadronVLS – Vertical Launching SystemVP – Fixed Wing Patrol SquadronVRC – Fleet Logistics Support Squadron VTU – Volunteer Training UnitVX – Air Test & Evaluation Squadron

W

WAVESWomen Accepted for Volunteer Emergency ServiceWCS – Workcenter SupervisorWO – Warrant OfficerWSO – – Weapon Systems Officer WTC – Watertight CompartmentWTD – Watertight DoorWTF – Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, usually an interrogative phrase, but may also be used in a declarative mannerWTH – Water Tight Hatch

X

XOExecutive Officer

Y

YN – Yeoman