Military Abbreviations, Nicknames and Slang Terms
Beginning with M
Compiled by Jon Stacy

Ma Deuce-
(Nickname) Browning M2 .50 Caliber machine gun.


MAC-
Air Force Designation for the Military Air Command. 1966-1992

Mac the Unready-
(Nickname) General George B. McClellan, USA, of the Civil War.

MacArthur's’ Navy-
(Nickname) US 7th Amphibious Force, during World War II.

Mad Anthony-
1. (Nickname) General Anthony Wayne, of the Continental Army/ US Army, during the American Revolution, and during Indian Campaigns.
2. (Nickname) USS Anthony DD-515; a Fletcher Class Destroyer.

Mad Cat-
(Nickname) Consolidated PBY, with anti-submarine detection equipment.

Mad Ducks-
(Squadron Nickname) 172nd Fighter Squadron, that flies the A-10 Thunderbolt II for the Michigan Air National Guard.

Mad Foxes-
(Squadron Nickname) VP-5, that flies the P-3 Orion.

Madge-
(NATO Codename) Soviet Beriev Be-6, flying boat.

Madhatters-
(Squadron Nickname) 492nd Fighter Squadron, that operates the F-15 Eagle.

Mae West-
(Nickname) The yellow life jackets that were worn by US airmen during World War II and during the
Korean War.

Maestro-
(NATO Codename) Soviet Yakovlev Yak-28U. The trainer version of the Yak-28 Brewer, strike attack bomber.

MAG-
(Short) Marine Air Group.

Magic Dragon-
(Nickname) Douglas AC-47 Skytrain, of the Vietnam War. Sometimes known as “Puff the Magic Dragon”.

Magnolia Militia-
(Squadron Nickname) 153rd Air Refueling Squadron, that flies the KC-135 for the Mississippi Air National Guard.

Magnum-
(NATO Codename) Soviet Yakovlev Yak-30, acrobatics jet.

Maiden-
(NATO Codename) Soviet Sukhoi Su-11U. A two seat variant of the Su-11 Fishpot-C.

Main Battery-
(Squadron Nickname) VA-196, that operated the AD Skyraider, & the A-6 Intruder. (Disestablished)

Mail-
(NATO Codename) Soviet Beriev Be-12. A turbo propelled maritime amphibian.

Maineiacs-
(Squadron Nickname) 132nd Air Refueling Squadron, that flies the KC-135 for the Maine Air National Guard.

Mainstay-
(NATO Codename) Soviet Ilyushin A-50. An AWACS version of the Il-76 Candid.

Making Y-
(Nickname) USS Makin Island CVE-93, a Casablanca Class Escort Carrier.

Makos-
(Squadron Nickname) 93rd Fighter Squadron, that flies the F-16 Falcon.

Malfunction Junction-
(Slang) Pentagon and Capitol Hill decision makers.

Mamie-
(Nickname) USS Massachusetts BB-59; a South Dakota Class Battleship.

Mandrake-
(NATO Codename) Soviet high altitude reconnaissance aircraft.

Mangrove-
(NATO Codename) Soviet Yakovlev Yak-27, reconnaissance aircraft.

Manhattan Project-
(Codename) The development of Atomic Energy & Atomic Weapons during World War II

Manila Maru-
(Nickname) USS Manila Bay CVE-61; a Casablanca Class Escort Carrier.

Mantis-
(NATO Codename) Soviet Yakovlev Yak-32, jet trainer.

Marauder-
The Martin B-26, medium bomber of World War II.

Marauders-
(Squadron Nickname) VFA-82, that flies the F/A-18 Hornet.

Mariner-
The Martin PBM, flying boat.

Marksmen-
(Squadron Nickname) 163rd Fighter Squadron, that flies the F-16 Falcon for the Indiana Air National Guard.

Marlin-
The Martin P5M1, flying boat.

Marlins-
(Squadron Nickname) VP-40, that currently operates the P-3 Orion.

Marne-
The 3rd Infantry Division, that served in World War I, in Europe during World War II, the Korean War, and during the War with Iraq.

Mars-
The Martin JRM, flying boat. Only 2 were built.

Marse Robert-
(Nickname) General Robert E. Lee, CSA; during the Civil War.

Martlet-
(British) The Grumman F4F Wildcat.

Mary-
(Allied Codename) Japanese Kawasaki Army Ki-32, Light Bomber.

Mascot-
(NATO Codename) Soviet Ilyushin Il-28U, a training variant of the Il-28 Beagle.

Masters of the Art-
(Squadron Nickname) 55th Air Refueling Squadron, that operates the KC-135 Stratotanker.

Mason Jar Top-
(Nickname) Navy’s white sailors hat.

Matador-
The Martin XB-61/TM-61 tactical missile.

MATS-
Air Force designation for the Military Air Transport Service. MATS predated MAC & AMC.

Maulers-
(Squadron Nickname) VS-32 that operates the S-3 Viking. Served during Operation: Iraqi Freedom.

Maverick-
The AGM-65, anti-tank missile, first used in the Persian Gulf War.

Mavis-
(Allied Codename) Japanese Kawanishi H6K flying boat.

MAW-
(Short) Marine Air Wing

Max-
(NATO Codename) Soviet Yakovlev Yak-18, trainer/sport aircraft.

May-
(NATO Codename) Soviet Ilyushin Il-38, maritime reconnaissance.

Mayo Maru-
(Nickname) USS Mayo DD-422; a Benson Class Destroyer.

Maytag Messerschmitt-
(Nickname) Ryan PT-22 Recruit.

Meatball-
(WWII, Slang) Japanese Aircraft Insignia.

Meatwagon-
(Nickname) An ambulance

Meier’s Hunting Horns-
(Germany) Air raid sirens, during World War II.

Memphis Belle-
1. Name of the famous B-17 that was the 1st ship to complete 25 bombing missions over Germany, during World War II.
2. (Squadron Nickname) 155th Airlift Squadron, that flies the C-141 Starlifter for the Tennessee Air National Guard.

Mercury-
The Boeing E-6A, TACAMO aircraft, of the US Navy. Formerly named Hermes, but was changed since aircrews called it “Herpes”.

Mercy Bird-
(Nickname) An aeromedical evacuation helicopter.

Mescalero-
The Cessna T-41 trainer.

Mercator-
The Martin P4M flying boat.

Metro-
1. Former codeword for the Letter M.
2. The Fairchild C-26, transport.

MIA-
(Short) Missing In Action

Michigan Red Devils-
(Squadron Nickname) 171st FS/AS, that operated the RF-84 Thunderflash and the C-130 Hercules, for the Michigan Air National Guard. (Disestablished)

Mickey Mouse-
1. A variation of airborne radio sets, radar ranges, finders, and switch boxes.
2. (Slang) Naval headsets.

Mickey Mouse Money-
(Slang) Military Payment Certificates.

Midas-
(NATO Codename) Soviet Ilyushin Il-76 inflight refueler, based on the Il-76 Candid transport.

Middle Sea-
(Nickname) Mediterranean Sea

Midget-
(NATO Codename) Soviet Mikoyan MiG-15UTI. A trainer for the MiG-15, MiG-17 and MiG-19 family of fighters.

Midrats-
(Navy) Midnight Rations. Leftovers.

Midway Magic-
(Nickname) USS Midway, CV-41; a Midway Class Aircraft Carrier.

Mighty A-
1. (Nickname) USS Alabama BB-60, a South Dakota Class Battleship.
2. (Nickname) USS Anthony DD-515, a Fletcher Class Destroyer.

Mighty B-
(Nickname) USS Brooklyn CL-40, a Brooklyn Class Light Cruiser.

Mighty E-
1. (Nickname) USS Enterprise CV-6, a Yorktown Class Aircraft Carrier.
2. (Nickname) USS Erben DD-631, a Fletcher Class Destroyer.

Mighty Eighth-
The US Eighth Air Force, during World War II.

Mighty H-
(Nickname) USS Howorth DD-592, a Fletcher Class Destroyer.

Mighty I-
1. (Nickname)USS Indiana BB-58; a South Dakota Battleship.
2. (Nickname) USS Independence CV-62; a Forrestal Class Aircraft Carrier.
3. (Nickname) USS Ingraham DD-694; an Allen M. Sumner Class Destroyer.

Mighty Item-
(Nickname) USS Indiana BB-58, a South Dakota Class Battleship.

Mighty K-
1. (Nickname) USS Kearsarge CV-33; an Essex Class aircraft carrier.
2. (Nickname) USS Kimberly DD-521; a Fletcher Class Destroyer.
3. (Nickname) USS Keppler DD-765; a Gearing Class Destroyer.

Mighty Mac-
(Nickname) USS MacKenzie DD-836, a Gearing Class Destroyer.

Mighty Mahan-
(Nickname) USS Mahan DD-364 a Mahan Class Destroyer.

Mighty Man-
(Nickname) USS Manchester CL-83, a Cleveland Class Light Cruiser.

Mighty Mayo-
(Nickname) USS Mayo DD-422; a Benson Class Destroyer.

Mighty McGowan-
(Nickname) USS McGowan DD-678, a Fletcher Class Destroyer.

Mighty Midgets-
(Nickname) US Escort Carriers of World War II.

Mighty Mississippi-
(Nickname) USS Mississippi CGN-40, a Virginia Class Cruiser.

Mighty Mite-
1. (Nickname)The Douglas A-4 Skyhawk.
2. (Nickname) for the USS Waller DD-466, a Fletcher Class Destroyer.

Mighty Mo-
(Nickname) USS Missouri BB-63; an Iowa Class Battleship.

Mighty Monty-
(Nickname) USS Montpelier CL-57, a Cleveland Class Light Cruiser

Mighty Moo-
(Nickname) USS Cowpens CVL-25, an Independence Class light carrier.

Mighty N-
(Nickname) USS Newcomb DD-586; a Fletcher Class Destroyer.

Mighty O-
1. (Nickname) USS Oriskany CV-34; an Essex Class aircraft carrier.
2. (Nickname) for the USS Ordronaux DD-617; a Benson Class Destroyer.

Mighty Q-
(Nickname) USS Quincy CA-71, a Baltimore Class Heavy Cruiser.

Mighty R-
(Nickname) USS Reno CL-96, an Oakland Class Light Cruiser.

Mighty Shrikes-
(Squadron Nickname) VA/VFA-94 that flew the A-4 Skyhawk & currently the F/A-18 Hornet.

Mighty T-
1. (Nickname) USS Tingey DD-539, a Fletcher Class Destroyer.
2. (Nickname) USS Thorn DD-647, a Gleaves Class Destroyer.

Mighty War Pig-
(Nickname) for the USS Kauffman FFG-59.

Mighty Warbucks-
(Squadron Nickname) VT-4, that operates the T-34 Mentor & the T-1 Jayhawk.

Mighty Woe-
(Nickname) USS Worchester CA-144, a Worchester Class Heavy Cruiser.

Migmaster-
(Nickname) Vought/LTV F8U (F-8) Crusader.

Mike-
(Codeword) Letter M.

Mike Boat-
(Nickname) LCM.

Mile High Militia-
(Nickname) 120th FS “Cougars”, that operates the F-16 Falcon for the Colorado Air National Guard.

Miller Killer-
(Nickname) Noorduyn C-64 Norseman. Orchestra Leader Glenn Miller was onboard a C-64, when he went missing in World War II.

Minnie-
1. (Nickname) USS Minneapolis CA-36, a New Orleans Class Heavy Cruiser.
2. (Nickname) USS Mindoro CVE-120, a Commencement Bay Class Escort Carrier.

Minutemen-
1. (Squadron Nickname) VP-92, that flies the P-3 Orion.
2. (Squadron Nickname) VR-55, that operates the C-130 Hercules.

Missile with a Man in it-
(Nickname) The Lockheed F-104 Starfighter.

Mitch-
(Nickname) USS/USAT General William Mitchell AP/TAP-114. A General John Pope Class Troop Transport.

Mitchell-
The North American B-25, medium bomber.

Mixmaster-
1. The Kaman HH-43 Huskie.
2. The Douglas XB-42, experimental bomber.
3. (Nickname) The Cessna O-2 Skymaster.

MLR-
(Korea) Main Line of Resistance.

Moldy Hall-
(Nickname) RAF Mildenhall, England.

Mohawk-
1. The Curtiss P-36 fighter.
2. The Grumman OV-10, Liaison aircraft.

Mohawk Warriors-
(Squadron Nickname) 28th Bomb Squadron, that operated the B-47 Stratojet, B-52 Stratofortress, & currently the B-1 Lancer.

Molotov Breadbasket-
(Nickname) Held 12 or more small incendiaries (Molotov Cocktails) for scattering them over a large area.

Molotov Cocktails-
A homemade firebomb, named after the Russian who invented the bomb during the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917.

Mongol-
(NATO Codename) Soviet Minoan MiG-21U, a trainer for the MiG-21.

Monkey Suit-
Camouflaged overalls, usually worn by mechanics.

Monopoly Money-
(Slang) Military Payment Certificates.

Monty-
1. (Nickname) USS Monterey CVL-26, an Independence Class Light Carrier.
2. (Nickname) USS Montpelier CL-57, a Cleveland Class Light Cruiser.

Moon Dogs-
(Squadron Nickname) VMAQ-3, that operates the EA-6 Prowler.

Moonlight-
(Squadron Nickname) HMM-764, that flies the CH-46 Sea Knight.

Moonlighters-
(Squadron Nickname) VMA/VMFA-332, that operated the AD Skyraider, the A-4 Skyhawk, the A-6 Intruder and currently the F/A-18 Hornet. Saw service during the Persian Gulf War.

Moose-
1. (NATO Codename) Soviet Yakovlev Yak-18, Trainer.
2. (Squadron Nickname) 58th Airlift Squadron, that flew the C-141 Starlifter & currently the
C-17 Globemaster III.

Moosehead-
The coupler to the waste/lavatory holding tank of an aircraft, that is connected to a Latrine Servicing Truck by a hose.

Mop-
(NATO Codename) Soviet Consolidated PBY Catalina. The Soviet Union received these planes under the Lend-Lease agreement of World War II.

Mosquito-
1. (Nickname) North American T-6 Texan, Liaison aircraft during the Korean War.
2. The British DeHavilland attack bomber of World War II. Some were operated by the US Army Air Force, as the F-8 Reconnaissance aircraft.

Mosquito Boats-
(Nickname) American PT Boats, during World War II.

Moss-
(NATO Codename) Soviet Tupolev Tu-126, AWACS aircraft.

Mountaineers-
1. The 10th Mountain Infantry Division, that served in Europe during World War II, and during the War with Afghanistan.
2. (Squadron Nickname) 130th Airlift Squadron, that flies the C-130 Hercules for the West Virginia Air National Guard.

Move the World-
(Squadron Nickname) 48th Rescue Squadron, that flew the HH-60 Blackhawk. (Disestablished)

Movjik-
(NATO Codename) Soviet Sukhoi Su-7U, trainer for the Su-7 Fitter.

Mr. B-
(Japanese Nickname) The Boeing B-29 Superfortress.

Mr. Bones-
(Squadron Nickname) 95th Fighter Squadron, that flew the F-15 Eagle. The squadron became known as the “Boneheads”.

Mr. Helicopter-
(Nickname) Igor I. Sikorsky, a major player in the invention of the helicopter.

Mr. Jiggs-
(Squadron Nickname) 11th Bomb Squadron, that flies the B-52 Stratofortress.

MRE-
1. (Short) Meal Ready to Eat.
2. (Slang, Short) Meals Rejected by Ethopians.

MSO-
Navy designation for a Mine Sweeper, Ocean.

Muddy Mo-
(Nickname) USS Missouri BB-63, after she ran aground and was stuck in the mud during the Korean War, 1951.

Mule-
1. The M-274 half ton truck/all terrain vehicle, of the Vietnam War.
2. (NATO Codename) Soviet Polikarpov Po-2, twin engine trainer. This type of aircraft was also used effectively in Korea as the infamous “Bed Check Charlie”.

Mules-
(Squadron Nickname) 22nd Air Refueling Squadron, that operated the KB-29 & KB-50 Superfortress, and currently the KC-135 Stratotanker.

Mulies-
(Squadron Nickname) 22nd Airlift Squadron, that flies the C-5 Galaxy.

Musketeers-
(Squadron Nickname) VMF-212, that flew the F4F Wildcat & F4U Corsair, during World War II.

Mustang-
The North American P-51/F-51 fighter of World War II, and Ground Attack plane of the Korean War.

Mustangs-
(Squadron Nickname) 45th Fighter Squadron, that operated the A-10 Thunderbolt II. Saw service during World War II, in the P-40 Warhawk. (Disestablished)

MX-
1. (Short) Maintenence
2. (Short) Experimental Missile.

Myrt-
(Allied Codename) Japanese Nakajima C6N, carrier reconnaissance and torpedo bomber.

Mystery Meat-
(Navy Slang) An unidentified meat heavily coated with breadcrumbs, batter and gravy.

Mystic-
(NATO Codename) Soviet Myasishchev M-17 and M-55, high altitude reconnaissance aircraft.



This list was created by Jon Stacy and is displayed on MaritimeQuest with his permission.
This information may not be duplicated, displayed or published without the express written consent of the author.

© 2006 John Stacy All Rights Reserved.


If you have an addition, correction or clarification please
email John Stacy.