LCS — Littoral Combat Ship
LEX — Leading Edge Extension. Narrow part of FA-18 wing leading to the nose of the aircraft.
LSO — Landing Signal Officer, also known as “Paddles.”
MANPAD — Man Portable Air Defense System. (“Hand-held” SAM)
MIDS — Multifunctional Information Distribution System; displays linked information from other aircraft to build situational awareness.
Mk-76 — 25 lb. practice bomb, aka “blue death.”
Mother — radio reference for the aircraft carrier.
Ninety-Nine — radio broadcast call used to gain attention; i.e. “listen up.”
NORTHCOM — U. S. Northern Command
Nugget — first cruise pilot
NVGs — Night Vision Goggles
OPSO — Operations Officer
PLAT — Pilot Landing Aid Television; closed circuit video picture of flight deck operations.
Plug — take fuel from tanker.
Rhino — slang name for FA-18E/F Super Hornet.
ROE — Rules of Engagement
RPG — Rocket Propelled Grenade
RTB — Return to Base
SAM — Surface-to-air missile
SAR — Search and Rescue (CSAR is Combat Search and Rescue).
Seahawk — popular name for MH-60 series multi-mission helicopter.
Sidewinder — popular name for AIM-9 infrared heat seeking air-to-air missile.
Sierra — slang name for MH-60S Seahawk.
SLAM-ER — Standoff Land Attack Missile — Expanded Response.
SOF — Special Operating Forces
SOUTHCOM — U.S. Southern Command
Strike — tactical airspace controller/coordinator in vicinity of ship.
Super Hornet — popular name for upgraded FA-18E/F single seat or two-place Strike Fighter with increased range and payload; also known as “Rhino.”
Texaco — nickname for a tanker aircraft, typically S-3B.
TLAM — Tomahawk Land Attack Missile; long range cruise missile launched from surface ships and submarines.
TOPGUN — Navy Fighter Weapons School, Fallon, NV
Trap — arrested landing
VAQ — Fixed Wing Electronic Attack squadron
VAW — Fixed Wing Early Warning squadron
VFA — Fixed Wing Fighter Attack squadron
VID — visual identification
Viper — slang name for F-16 Fighting Falcon.
VLS — Vertical Launch System; missile launchers found on cruisers and destroyers.
Winchester — out of ordnance
Wire — A 1.25” diameter steel cable stretched across carrier landing area to arrest tailhook aircraft, also known as “the cable” or “cross deck pendant.”
XO — Executive Officer