K-Gun-
(Nickname) The Mk 6 depth charge, gun projectors. Used onboard USN destroyers during World War II & Korea.

Ka-Bar-
A survival knife used during the Vietnam War.

Kaiser Coffin-
(Nickname) US Liberty Ship of World War II. Nicknamed so for the quickness that they sank and/or broke up after being torpedoed, or were damaged in rough seas.

Kando Kangaroo- (Nickname) USS Canberra CA-70/CAG-2, a Baltimore Class Heavy Cruiser.

Kangaroo Express-
(Nickname) USS Growler SS-215, during World War II.

Kansan-
The Beech AT-11, a bombardier trainer of World War II.

Kansas Coyotes-
(Squadron Nickname) 117th Air Refueling Squadron, that flies the KC-135 for the Kansas Air National Guard.

Kanza-
(Squadron Nickname) 18th Air Refueling Squadron, which flies the KC-135.

Kate-
(Allied Codename) Japanese Nakajima B5N, Torpedo Bomber.

KC Hawgs-
(Squadron Nickname) 303rd Fighter Squadron, that currently operates the A-10 Thunderbolt II.

Kelt-
(NATO Codename) Soviet AS-5, air to surface missile.

Kennel-
(NATO Codename) Soviet AS-1, air to surface missile.

Kenney Cocktail-
(Nickname) A 100 pound white phosphorous bomb. Named after General George Kenney.

Kerry-
(NATO Codename) Soviet AS-7, air to surface missile.

Kestrals-
(Squadron Nickname) VFA-137, which flies the F/A-18 Hornet.

Keystone-
The 28th Infantry Division, that served in World War I and in Europe in World War II.

Kfir-
The Israel Aircraft Industries F-21A, that was loaned to the Marines in the early 1990’s, for aggressor training. Name meant“Lion Cub”.

KIA-
(Short) Killed In Action.

Kicker-
An aircrew member who shoves or drops supplies onto forces below.

Kickin’ Ass-
1. (Squadron Nickname) 95th Reconnaissance Squadron, that operates the RC-135.
2. (Squadron Nickname) 148th Fighter Squadron, that flies the F-16 Falcon for the Arizona Air National Guard.

Kicking Mules-
(Squadron Nickname) 95th Bomb Squadron, that flew the B-26 Invader in the Korean War.

King Cobra-
The Bell P-63, ground attack fighter, of World War II.

Kingfisher-
1. The Vought SB2U, battleship/cruiser borne scout plane, of World War II.
2. NATO Codename for the Soviet AS-6, air to surface missile.

King Neptune’s Savings Bank-
(Slang) An Illegal Money Reserve, among sailors.

Kings-
(Squadron Nickname) 71st Rescue Squadron, that flies the HC-130 Hercules.

Kill Cavalry-
(Nickname) General Judson “Hugh” Kilpatrick, USA; of the Civil War.

KISS-
(Acronym) Keep It Simple, Stupid.

Kit Carsons-
(Slang) Former Viet Cong guerrillas hired as combat scouts for US and South Vietnamese forces.

Kitchen-
(NATO Codename) Soviet AS-3 and AS-4, air to surface missiles.

Kitchen Police-
A group assigned to assist in the chow hall. Better known as “KP Duty”.

Kiwi-
1. (Slang) A Non Flying Officer.
2. (Slang) A student pilot, who hasn’t flown solo yet.
3. (Slang, WWII, Pacific) New Zealand or anyone from New Zealand.

Klunker-
(Nickname) The Bell P-400 (P-39C Airacobra).

Knight Hawks-
(Squadron Nickname) VFA-136, that currently operates the F/A-18 Hornet.

Knight Riders-
1. (Squadron Nickname) VA-52, that flew the AD Skyraider, & the A-6 Intruder. (Disestablished)
2.(Squadron Nickname) HMM(T)-164, that operates the CH-46 Sea Knight.

Knockdown-
(Slang) Term applied to shooting down an aircraft.

Komet- The Messerschmitt Me-163, rocket fighter.

Kondor- The Focke-Wulf Fw-200B, transport.

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

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