C4-
A Plastic explosive that can be molded and shaped.
C-Bomb-
Cobalt Bomb.
C-one-oh-boom-
(Nickname)The Consolidated C-109, aerial tanker. The C-109 was an off shoot of the successful
B-24 Liberator.
CA-
Navy Designation for a Heavy Cruiser.
Cab-
(NATO Codename) Ilyushin Il-2, Soviet version of the Douglas DC-3/C-47.
Cactus-
1.(Codename) Island of Guadalcanal, during World War II.
2. The 103rd Infantry Division, that saw service in Europe in World War II.
Cadet-
The Interstate L-6, used during World War II.
Cadillacs of Destroyers-
(Nickname) Belknap Class of DLG/CG from the 1960’s to the 1990’s.
CAG-
(Navy, Short) for Carrier Air Group.
Cajun-
(Nickname) USS New Orleans, LPH-11; a Iwo Jima Class Amphibious Helicopter Assault Ship.
Cajuns-
(Squadron Nickname) 706 Fighter Squadron, that operates the A-10 Warthog.
Calling “Charlie O’Roark”-
(Slang) The Art of Puking.
Camber-
(NATO Codename) Ilyushin Il-86, wide bodied jet transport.
Camel-
1. (NATO Codename) Tupolev Tu-104, a twin jet civilian transport.
2. (Nickname) Douglas A-4 Skyhawk, with added electronics pod.
Camp-
(NATO Codename) Antonov An-8, twin turboprop transport.
Can Opener-
(Nickname) USS Wasp CV-18, during the early 1950’s. Earned the nickname after she rammed and sunk the USS Hobson DMS-26, in 1951.
Canal-
The Island of Guadalcanal.
Canberra-
1. The English Electric medium bomber.
2. The Martin B-57 medium bomber, of the Vietnam War.
Candid-
(NATO Codename) Ilyushin Il-76, a four engine jet transport.
Candy Stripers-
(Squadron Nickname) VMF-122, that operated the F4F Wildcat, F4U Corsair, FH-1 Phantom, F9F Cougar, &
FJ Fury. Saw service in World War II.
Cannonballs-
(Squadron Nickname) VMF-322, flew the F4U Corsair, during World War II.
Canoe-
(Nickname) The protruding radome on the underside of the EF-111 Raven & the E-8 Joint Star.
CANX-
(Short) Cancelled.
CAP-
1. (Short) Combat Air Patrol.
2. (Short) Civil Air Patrol.
Cape-
(Nickname) USS Cape Esperance CVE-88; a Casablanca Class Escort Carrier.
Capital Express-
(Squadron Nickname) VR-53 that flies the C-130 Hercules.
Capital Guardians-
(Squadron Nickname) 121st Fighter Squadron, that flies the F-16 Falcon for the Maryland Air National Guard.
Capital Skyliners-
(Squadron Nickname) VR-48 that flies the C-20 Gulfstream III.
Captain Shreve Squadron-
(Squadron Nickname) 32nd ARS, that flies the KC-135.
Careless-
(NATO Codename) Tupolev Tu-154, a tri-jet civilian transport.
Cargomaster-
The Douglas C-133, heavy transport.
Caribou-
The DeHavilland C-7, light transport of the Vietnam War.
Carrier Cats-
A series of Grumman built fighters that served from American, British, & French aircraft carriers. They would include the F4F “Wildcat”, the F6F “Hellcat”, the F7F “Tigercat”, the F8F “Bearcat”, the F9F “Panther”,
the F-9 “Cougar”, the F11F/F-11 “Tiger”, the F-14 “Tomcat”, and the unsuccessful F10F “Jaguar”.
Cart-
(NATO Codename) Tupolev Tu-70; a transport version of the Tu-4.
Case Maru-
(Nickname) USS Case DD-370; a Mahan Class Destroyer.
Cash-
(NATO Codename) Antonov An-28, a turboprop version of the An-14, light transport.
Casket Chariot-
(Nickname) Lockheed C-141 Starlifter.
Cat-
1. (NATO Codename) Antonov An-10, a four engine turboprop transport.
2. The Consolidated PBY Catalina.
Cat Eyed Devils-
(Japanese, Nickname) U.S. PT Boats during World War II.
Catalina-
The Consolidated PBY/OA-10, maritime patrol seaplane.
Caterpillar Club-
(WWII) A club of aircrew that had to bail out from a damaged or disabled aircraft.
Cava Maru-
(Nickname) USS Cavalier AP-82/APA-37; a Bayfield Class Amphibious Attack Troop Transport. Her nickname was also shorted to “Cav”.
Caydet-
The Stearman and Boeing built PT-13, PT-17, PT-18, & PT-27. A line of rugged built bi-planes, that were used during World War II, as pilot training.
CB-
Navy designation for a Battle Cruiser.
CB Air Force-
(Nickname) Applied to VMF-222, “Flying Deuces”, during World War II. CB stood for Construction Battalion, or “Sea Bee’s”.
CC- Navy designation for a Command Ship.
CCF-
(Korea, Short) Chinese Communist Forces.
Century-
The 100th Infantry Division, which served in Europe in World War II.
Century Fighters-
The series of fighters produced for the US Air Force in the 1950s’ and 1960’s. They include the
North American F-100 “Super Sabre”; the McDonnell F-101 “Voodoo”; the Convair F-102 “Delta Dagger”;
the Lockheed F-104 “Starfighter”; the Republic F-105 “Thunderchief”; and the Convair F-106 “Delta Dart”.
Cessna Suck & Blow-
(Nickname) Cessna O-2 Skymaster, in Vietnam.
CG-
Navy designation for a Guided Missile Cruiser.
CGAS-
(Short) Coast Guard Air Station.
CGN-
Navy designation for a Nuclear Guided Missile Cruiser.
Chaffee-
Name for the M-24 Light Tank, used during the Korean War.
Chairborne Rangers-
(Slang) Any US Air Force member, who does not fly.
Champ-
(Nickname) USS Lake Champlain, CV-39. An Essex Class aircraft carrier.
Champion-
Aeronca L-16, Liaison aircraft of the Korean War.
Champion Kamikaze Killer-
(Nickname) USS Hugh W. Hadley DD-774, an Allen M. Sumner Class Destroyer. She earned the nickname scoring an impressive record of confirmed kamikazes shot down.
Chapparral-
Army Variant of the AIM-9 “Sidewinder”. The M48A1 Surface to Air Missile, is mounted on a M730A2 tracked vehicle.
Charger-
(NATO Codename) Tupolev Tu-144. A Soviet version of the Concorde Supersonic Transport.
Chargers-
1. (Squadron Nickname) VA/VF-161, VFA-27; that operated the A-4 Skyhawk, F-4 Phantom II & the
F/A-18 Hornet. The unit had been renumbered during its transition into the Hornet.
2.(Squadron Nickname) HS-14, that operates the SH-60 Seahawk.
Chargin’ Cheetahs-
(Squadron Nickname) 560th Flying Training Squadron, that flies the T-38 Talon.
Charlie-
(Codeword) Letter C.
Charlie Chicken-
(Squadron Nickname) 186th Fighter Squadron, that flew the F-16 Falcon for the Montana Air National Guard. Squadron became known as “Big Sky”
Charlie R-
(Nickname) USS Charles R. Ware DD-865; a Gearing Class Destroyer.
Charlie 46-
(Nickname) Curtiss C-46 Commando.
Chattanooga Rebel on Wheels-
(Nickname) General Gabriel R. Paul, Confederate Army.
Checkerboard-
The 99th Infantry Division, that saw service in Europe during WWII.
Checkerboards-
(Squadron Nickname) VMF/VMFA-312; saw service in World War II & the Korean War. Operated the
F4U Corsair, F7F Tigercat, F9F Cougar, FJ Fury, F-8 Crusader, F-4 Phantom II & the F/A-18 Hornet.
Checkmates-
1. (Squadron Nickname) VS-22 that flies the S-3 Viking.
2. (Squadron Nickname) VF-211 that flew the F-8 Crusader, & F-14 Tomcat.
Cherokee Strikes-
(Codename) Interdiction Missions in Korea.
Cherry Blossom-
(Codename) Island of Bougainville, during World War II.
Chesapeake Raider-
(Nickname) USS Wyoming BB-32/AG-17, during World War II. Trained Gun Crews, on the Chesapeake River, during World War II.
Chesty-
(Nickname) Colonel Chester Puller, US Marine Corps. World War II.
Chevy-
1. (Nickname) USS Chevalier DD-451, a Fletcher Class Destroyer.
2. (Nickname) USS Chevalier DD-805, a Gearing Class Destroyer.
Chicago Piano-
The unsuccessful 1.1mm anti-aircraft guns. Four barrels were mounted together, and the barrels were water cooled.
Chiefs-
(Squadron Nickname) 335 FIS/FS; earned their fame during the Korean War flying the F-86 Sabre, the currently fly the F-15 Eagle.
Chimney-
(WWII) A series of German early warning radar stations.
Chinese Fire Drill-
(Slang) A complete lack of coordination or smartness.
Ching-
(Nickname) Vice Admiral Willis A. Lee, commander of US Battleships during World War II.
Chinook-
The Boeing-Vertol CH-47, twin rotor; heavy lift helicopter.
Choctaw-
The Sikorsky H-34, troop helicopter.
Chomp-
(WWII, Slang) to apply wheel brakes bastily on an airplane.
Chopper-
(Slang)Any Helicopter.
Chow-
Meal Time.
Chow Hall-
Mess Hall, Mess Tent, or a Dining Facility.
Chow Line-
1. Meal Line.
2. (WWII, Slang) A Japanese fighter formation.
Christmas Tree-
A small directional standard that is placed on a map.
Chucky V-
(Nickname) USS Carl Vinson CVN-70, a Nimitz Class Nuclear Aircraft Carrier.
Chuff-
(Nickname) Grumman/General Motors TBF/TBM Avenger.
Cigarette-
A type of Electronic Countermeasures used against German bombers, during World War II.
Cinderella Liberty-
(Navy) Got to be back by Midnight.
Citation-
The Cessna (Model 560) UC-35, passenger transport.
Civilian in Uniform-
(Slang) An US Air Force member, to other branches of service.
Civil War-
Modern term used to describe the War of Rebellion, that engulfed the United States between 1861-1865.
Civvies-
Civilian Clothes.
CL-
Navy designation for a Light Cruiser.
Clam-
(NATO Codename) Soviet Ilyushin Il-18.
Clank-
1. (NATO Codename) Soviet Antonov An-30; the reconnaissance version of the Antonov An-24.
2. (WWII) To become nervous.
Clansmen-
(Squadron Nickname) VA-46 that operated the A-7 Corsair II, during the Persian Gulf War. (Disestablished)
Classic-
(NATO Codename) Soviet Ilyushin Il-26; a 4 rear jet transport.
Claude-
(Allied Codename) Japanese Mitsubishi A5M.
Cleat-
(NATO Codename) Soviet Tupolev Tu-104; transport version of the Tu-95.
Cline-
(NATO Codename) Soviet Antonov An-32; an overwing version of the Antonov An-26.
Clipper-
1. The Boeing C-98 Flying Boat of World War II. Clippers were formerly operated by Pan Am Airlines, prior to the break out of World War II.
2. The Boeing C-40 Transport of the US Air Force & Navy.
Clobber-
1. (Slang) To destroy or inflict serious damage.
2. (Slang) To confuse or foul up.
3. (Slang) To crash land.
4. (NATO Codename) Soviet Yakovlev Yak-42; an enlarged version of the Yakovlev Yak-40.
Clock Basher-
(Slang) A technician who works with aircraft instrumentation.
Clod-
(NATO Codename) Soviet Antonov An-14; a light twin piston engine transport aircraft.
Cloverleaf-
The 88th Infantry Division, that saw service in Europe in World War II.
Clunk-
(Nickname) Douglas SBD/A-24 Dauntless.
Coach-
(NATO Codename) Soviet Ilyushin Il-12; a twin piston engine transport.
Coaler-
(NATO Codename) Soviet Antonov An-72; a STOL replacement for the An-26.
Cobra-
The Bell AH-1, attack helicopter. A development of the Bell UH-1 Iroquois.
Cobras-
1. (Squadron Nickname) 138th Fighter Squadron, that operates the F-16 Fighting Falcon for the
New York Air National Guard.
2. (Squadron Nickname) 39th Flying Training Squadron, that operates the T-38 Talon, & the T-6 Texan II.
Cock-
(NATO Codename) Soviet Antonov An-22; a four turboprop heavy transport.
Cockerel-
(British) An IFF transponder on an aircraft.
Cockroach-
(Nickname) Lockheed F-117A Nighthawk. Since it only comes out at night.
Cocooning-
The process of mothballing a plane, ship or vehicle, for further use in the future.
Codling-
(NATO Codename) Soviet Yakovlev Yak-40, a tri-jet light transport.
Coffin Corner-
(WWII) The last plane in the lowest row, in a bomber formation.
COIN-
(Acronym) COunter INsurgency, used during the Korean & Vietnam Wars.
Coke-
(NATO Codename) Soviet Antonov An-24, a twin turboprop transport.
Cold Meat-
(Slang) A sitting duck.
Colo Maru-
(Nickname) USS Colorado BB-45, a Colorado Class Battleship.
Colorado Cougars-
(Squadron Nickname) 120th Fighter Squadron, that flies the F-16 Falcon for the Colorado Air National Guard.
Colt-
(NATO Codename) Soviet Antonov An-2, a biplane transport.
Comanche-
The cancelled Boeing-Sikorsky RAH-66; 3rd generation attack helicopter.
Commando-
The Curtiss C-46; heavy transport of World War II, and during the Korean War.
Commie-
(Slang) Any Communist, or Communist Country.
Condor-
1. The Keystone B-2 bomber, during World War I.
2. (NATO Codename) Soviet Antonov An-124. The Soviet version of the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy.
Condors-
1. (Squadron Nickname) VP-64, that operates the P-3 Orion.
2. (Squadron Nickname) HMH-464, that operates the CH-53 Sea Stallion.
Connie-
1. (Nickname) USS Constellation CV-64; a Kitty Hawk Class Aircraft Carrier.
2. (Nickname) The Lockheed C-69 Constellation, transport of World War II.
3. (Nickname)The Lockheed C-121 Super Constellation, transport of the Vietnam War.
Conquistadors-
(Squadron Nickname) VR-57 that operates the C-9B Skytrain II & currently the C-40 Clipper.
Conservatory-
(WWII) A transparent gun turret on an aircraft.
Constellation-
The Lockheed C-69.
Contrail-
A condensation trail, from the exhaust vapors of an aircrafts engines. At high altitudes, the exhaust collects moisture, forming white trails.
Converter-
(Nickname) Cessna T-37 Tweet. It converts fuel into noise.
Cookie-
1. (WWII) A large bomb.
2. The camp or ships cook.
Cookpot-
(NATO Codename) Soviet Tupolev Tu-124; a smaller version of the Tu-104.
Coonass Militia-
(Squadron Nickname) 122nd Fighter Squadron, that operated the F-15 for the Louisiana Air National Guard. Squadron became known as “Bayou Militia”.
Coop-
(WWII) The cockpit and/or canopy, on an aircraft.
Coot-
(NATO Codename) Soviet Ilyushin Il-18, a four turboprop airliner.
Copperheads-
(Squadron Nickname) 197th AREFS/ARS, that operated the KC-97 Stratotanker & the KC-135 Stratotanker, for the Arizona Air National Guard.
Copter-
(Short) Helicopter.
Coral Maru-
(Nickname) USS Coral Sea CV-43. A Midway Class aircraft carrier.
Cornell-
The primary trainer built by Fairchild, Fleet, and Aeronica. The name applied to the PT-19, PT-23, and the
PT-26 trainers.
Coronado-
The Consolidated PB2Y; flying boat replacement for the PBY Catalina.
Corporal-
The A-17 Surface to Air Missile of the Cold War.
Corsair-
1. The Vought O2U, observation/attack aircraft used by the US Marines, during the “Banana Wars” of the
1920’s.
2. The Chance Vought F4U/AU series of fighters during World War II and during the Korean War.
3. The Vought/LTV A-7 (Corsair II), that saw service during the Vietnam War, and during the Persian Gulf War.
Cotton Pickers-
(Squadron Nickname) 15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, that operated the RF-86 during the Korean War.
Cougar-
The Grumman F9F-8/F-9H Naval jet fighter of the mid to late 1950’s.
Cougars-
(Squadron Nickname) VAQ-139, that operates the EA-6 Prowler.
Covered Wagon-
(Nickname) USS Langley CV-1/AV-3; Langley Class Aircraft Carrier.
Cowboys-
(Squadron Nickname) VMF-112, that flew the FJ Fury, F-8 Crusader, F-4 Phantom II, & the F/A-18 Hornet.
Coyotes-
(Squadron Nickname) HMLA-775, that operates the AH-1 Cobra/UH-1 Iroquois.
Cradle of the Air Force-
(Nickname) Fairchild PT-19 Cornell, Trainer.
CRAF-
(Short) Civilian Reserve Air Fleet. Civilian Airlines that operate their aircraft for Military needs.
Cranked Wing-
(Slang) Inverted Gull Wing, on the F4U Corsair, and others.
Crashhawk-
(Nickname) Sikorsky UH-60 Blackhawk.
Crate-
1. (WWII, Slang) An old or little used aircraft.
2. (NATO Codename) Soviet Ilyushin Il-14. A development of the Il-12 Coach.
Crawfishers-
(Squadron Nickname) VP-94, that operates the P-3 Orion.
Crazy Eight-
(Nickname) USS Topeka CLG-8, a Galveston Class Light Guided Missile Cruiser. Better known as “Baka Hachi”.
Creek-
1. (NATO Codename) Soviet Yakovlev Yak-12. A light transport.
2. Name for the TH-67A. US Army Helicopter Trainer.
Critter Fritters-
(Slang) Fried Mystery Meat. (See Also: Mystery Meat)
Crowd Killer-
(Nickname) Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar.
Crud-
(Nickname) Vought F8U/F-8 Crusader.
Crusader-
The Vought F8U/F-8, naval fighter of from the late 1950s’ to the mid 1970s’. The Crusader established an excellent record in the skies over Vietnam.
Crusaders-
1. (Squadron Nickname) VMF-121, VMFA-121; that flew the F-8 Crusader, F-4 Phantom II, & the
F/A-18 Hornet.
2. (Squadron Nickname) 523 FIS/523 FS; flew the F-84 Thunderjet, F-111 Aardvark & the
F-16 Fighting Falcon. Saw service during the Korean War.
Crusader College-
(Squadron Nickname) VF-124, that operated the F-8 Crusader. Later known as VF-124 “Gunfighters”.
Crusty-
(NATO Codename) Soviet Tupolev Tu-134, a rear jet version of the Tupolev Tu-124 airliner.
CSA-
Short for the Confederate States of America, or the Confederate States Army. Used during the War of Rebellion 1861-1865.
CSAR-
(Acronym) Combat Search And Rescue.
Cub-
(NATO Codename) Soviet Antonov An-12, a four turboprop transport.
Cuff-
(NATO Codename) Soviet Beriev Be-12, a light transport with STOL capabilities.
Cumshaw-
(Navy, Slang) Naval Trading. “Keeps the Fleet Running”.
Cumulo Granite-
(Slang) A cloud enshrouded mountain.
Cunt Cap-
(Slang) A Garrison Cap.
Curl-
(NATO Codename) Soviet Antonov An-26; a rear door variant of the Antonov An-24.
Custer-
The 85th Infantry Division, served in World War I and in Europe during World War II.
CV-
1. Navy designation for a Fleet Aircraft Carrier. 1922-1952.
2. Navy designation for a Multi-Purpose Aircraft Carrier. 1975-Present.
CVA-
Navy designation for an Attack Aircraft Carrier. 1952-1975.
CVAN-
Navy designation for a Nuclear Attack Aircraft Carrier. 1961-1975.
CVB-
Navy designation for a Battle Aircraft Carrier. 1945-1952.
CVE-
Navy designation for an Escort Carrier. 1944-1959.
CVH-
Navy designation for a Helicopter Carrier. (None Served in Active Duty).
CVL-
Navy designation for a Light Aircraft Carrier. 1943-1959.
CVN-
Navy designation for a Multi-Purpose Nuclear Aircraft Carrier. 1975-Present.
CVS-
Navy designation for a Anti-Submarine Warfare Aircraft Carrier. 1952-1975.
CVT-
Navy designation for a Training Aircraft Carrier. 1969-1978.
CVU-
Navy designation for a Utility Aircraft Carrier. 1959-1975. (Few served actively)
CVV-
Navy designation for a Vertical Aircraft Carrier. (1970’s) Proposal only, none commissioned. Role assigned to Amphibious Assault Ships.
CVW-
Navy designation for a Carrier Air Wing.
Cyclone-
The 38th Infantry Division, served in World War I and in the Pacific during World War II.
Cyclones-
(Squadron Nickname) VAW-120, that operates the E-2 Hawkeye.
Cypress-
(Allied Codename) Nippon Ki-86.
