B-
Aircraft Designation for a Bomber.
B Dash Crash-
(Nickname) Martin B-26 Marauder.
BA-
1. (Buzz Code) Boeing B-17, from 1945 to 1954.
2. (Buzz Code) Martin B-57, from 1954 to 1966.
Babs-
(Allied Codeword) Mitsubishi Ki-15.
Baby-
(WWII) An extra fuel tank that could be jettisoned.
Baby Flattop-
(Nickname) An Escort Carrier.
Baby Shamu-
(Nickname) KC-135 Stratotanker painted in two tone gray, dark gray on top with light gray underside.
Backfire-
(NATO Codename) Tupolev Tu-26, Soviet Medium Bomber.
Bad Brad-
(Nickname) USS Bradley, DE/FF-1041.
Badger-
(NATO Codename) Tupolev Tu-16, Soviet Medium Bomber.
Badgers-
(Squadron Nickname) 176th Fighter Squadron, flying the F-16 Falcon for the Wisconsin Air National Guard.
Baka-
(Allied Codename) Japanese Yokosuka MXY, rocket propelled Suicide bomber.
Baka Hachi-
(Nickname) USS Topeka CLG-8, a Galveston Class Light Guided Missile Cruiser.
Baker-
Former Codeword for the Letter B.
Balbo-
(WWII) A large Formation in Flight.
Balls to the Wall-
(Slang) Maximum Speed or Effort.
Baltimore-
The Martin A-30 light bomber of World War II.
Baltimore Whore-
(Nickname) Martin B-26 Marauder.
Baltimore’s Best-
(Squadron Nickname) 135th Airlift Squadron, flying the C-130 Hercules for the Maryland Air National Guard.
Bama-
1. (Nickname) USS Alabama, BB-60; 1943-1946. A South Dakota Class Battleship.
2. (Nickname) USS Alabama, SSBN-731. A Ohio Class Missile Submarine.
Bamboo Bomber-
(Nickname) Cessna UC-78 Bobcat.
Bandit-
(Slang) An Enemy Plane.
Bandit Incursion-
A term used by President Harry S Truman to describe the Korean War.
Banjo-
(Nickname) McDonnell F2H/F-2 Banshee.
Bank-
(NATO Codename) Lend-Lease North American B-25, that was used by the Soviets.
Banshee-
The McDonnell F2H/F-2 twin engine naval jet fighter of the 1950’s.
Banshees-
1. (Squadron Nickname) 89th Flying Training Squadron, operating the T-37 Tweet.
2. (Squadron Nickname) VMAQ-1 flying the EA-6 Prowler.
Bantam Bomber-
(Nickname) Douglas A4D/A-4 Skyhawk.
Bantam Bombers-
(Squadron Nickname) VMA-124, flying the A-4 Skyhawk II.
Bar Hog-
(Slang) A woman who hangs out in bars. (a/k/a: Bar Fly)
Barge-
(Nickname) The Douglas SBD Dauntless.
Barling Bomber-
The Witteman-Lewis XNBL-1. A six engine tri-plane bomber, that 1st flew on 22 August, 1923. It weighed 27,312 pounds empty.
Batmen-
(Squadron Nickname) VQ-2, flying the EP-3 Orion.
Bats-
1. (Squadron Nickname) VMTB/VMA/VMFA-242. The Bats flew the TBM Avenger, the A-4 Skyhawk & the
F/A-18 Hornet. They saw service in World War II, Vietnam & the Persian Gulf.
2. (Squadron Nickname) 9th Bomb Squadron, flew the B-36 Peacemaker, B-52 Stratofortress & the
B-1 Lancer.
3. (Squadron Nickname) 174th Fighter Squadron, flying the F-80 Shooting Star, the F-16 Fighting Falcon for the Iowa Air National Guard.
4. (Squadron Nickname) 43 ECS, flying the EC-130 Hercules.
Bats Outa Hell-
(Squadron Nickname) 498th Bomb Squadron, that flew with the “Air Apaches” during World War II. Operated the B-25 Mitchell.
Battle-Ax-
The 65th Infantry Division, that served in Europe during World War II.
Battle Cat-
(Nickname) USS Kitty Hawk CVA/CV-63, a Kitty Hawk Class Aircraft Carrier.
Battle Cats-
(Squadron Nickname) HSL-46, flying the SH-60 Seahawk.
Battleship X-
(Codename) USS South Dakota, BB-57; Used by the Press in 1942.
Battlewagon-
(Nickname) Any Battleship in World War II.
Battlin’ B-
(Nickname) USS Bennett DD-473; a Fletcher Class Destroyer.
Battlin’ Bama-
(Nickname) USS Alabama, BB-60. A South Dakota Class Battleship.
Batwing-
(Nickname) Douglas F4D/F-6A Skyray, Naval Interceptor.
Bayou Militia-
(Squadron Nickname) 122nd Fighter Squadron, flying the F-15 Eagle, for the Louisiana Air National Guard.
Bazooka-
(Slang) A recoilless rifle.
BB-
1.
Navy Designation for a Battleship.
2. (Buzz Code) Boeing XB-19, from 1945 to 1954
3. (Buzz Code) Douglas B-66, from 1954 to 1966.
BC-
1. (Buzz Code) Consolidated B-24, from 1945 to 1948
2. (Buzz Code) Martin B-26 Invader, from 1948 to 1966.
BCGs’-
(Short) Birth Control Glasses. Military Issue Glasses.
BD-
(Buzz Code) North American B-25, from 1945 to 1955?
BDU-
(Short) Battle Dress Uniform.
BE-
1. (Buzz Code) Martin B-26 Invader from 1945 to 1948
2. (Buzz Code) North American B-45 Tornado, from 1948 on.
Beagle-
(NATO Codename) Soviet Ilyushin Il-20 & Il-28; medium bombers.
Bealey Boat-
(Nickname) USS Beale DD-471; a Fletcher Class Destroyer.
Bear-
1.
(NATO Codename) Soviet Tupolev Tu-20, Heavy Bomber.
2. General Norman H. Schwarzkopf, US Commander in the Persian Gulf War.
Bear Aces-
(Squadron Nickname) VAW-124, flying the E-2 Hawkeye.
Bearcat-
The Grumman F8F, Naval Fighter.
Beast-
1. (NATO Codename) Soviet Ilyushin Il-10, bomber.
2. (Nickname) Curtiss SB2C Helldiver, Naval dive bomber
Beaver-
1. (WWII Slang) To Shoot holes into an aircraft.
2. The DeHavilland L-20 Liason aircraft.
Bed Check Charlie-
An enemy plane with its engines out of sync. Used to disturb friendly forces while they slept. They were also prone to inflict minor damage to flightlines.
Bedevilers-
(Squadron Nickname) VF-74 flew the F4D Skyray, F-4 Phantom II & the F-14 Tomcat. (Disestablished)
Bedspring-
(Nickname) SA air search radar, during World War II.
Bee Tee-
(Nickname) Vultee BT-13 Valiant.
Beeliners-
(Squadron Nickname) 21st Airlift Squadron, flying the C-5 Galaxy.
Beef-
(WWII) The Strength or Power of an aircraft.
Beercat-
(French) The Grumman F8F Bearcat.
Belknap Pole-
A navigational aid, that is placed on the starboard side of an aircraft carrier. Named for the USS Belknap, after the USS John F. Kennedy rammed her in 1975.
Ben’s Busters-
(Nickname) USS Growler SS-215; a Balao Class Submarine.
Bengal Tigers-
(Squadron Nickname) 37th Flying Training Squadron, flying the T-37 Tweet.
Bengals-
(Squadron Nickname) VMF-224/VMA-224/VMFA-224. The Bengals operated the F4F Wildcat, F4U Corsair,
A-4 Skyhawk, A-6 Intruder, and the F/A-18 Hornet. They served in World War II, Vietnam, Persian Gulf War, Bosnia, Kosovo & Iraq.
Benny-
(Nickname) USS Bennington CV-20; an Essex Class Aircraft Carrier.
Bentwing-
1. (Korea) A Wing that was swept back.
2. (Nickname) Vought F4U Corsair.
Bet On Us-
(Squadron Nickname) 150th Air Refueling Squadron, flying the KC-135. (Disestablished)
Betty-
(Allied Codename) Mitsubishi G4M Bomber.
BF-
(Buzz Code) Boeing B-29, from 1945 on.
BFE-
(Short) Bum Fuck Egypt. In the Middle of Nowhere.
BG-
1. (Buzz Code) Consolidated B-32, from 1945 to 1948
2. (Buzz Code) Northrop XB-35, starting in 1948.
BH-
(Buzz Code) Lockheed B-37, from 1945 to 1948.
Big Apple-
(Nickname) USS New York BB-34, a New York Class Battleship.
Big A-
(Nickname) USS Albany CA-123/CG-10. An Albany Class Missile Cruiser.
Big B-
1. (WWII) Berlin, Germany.
2. (Nickname) USS Baltimore CA-69. A Baltimore Class Heavy Cruiser.
Big Bama-
(Nickname) USS Alabama BB-60, a South Dakota Class Battleship.
Big Ben-
(Nickname) USS Franklin, CV-13. An Essex Class Aircraft Carrier.
Big Benn-
(Nickname) USS Bennington, CV-20. An Essex Class Aircraft Carrier.
Big Brass-
(WWII) High ranking officials.
Big Country Base-
(Nickname) Dyess AFB, TX.
Big D-
(Nickname) USS Dallas, SSN-700, a Los Angeles Class Attack Submarine.
Big Dog-
(Nickname) USS Belleau Wood LHA-3; a Tarawa Class Amphibious Assault Ship.
Big E-
1.
(Nickname) USS Enterprise, CV-6, a Yorktown Class Aircraft Carrier.
2. (Nickname) USS Enterprise, CVAN/CVN-65, an Enterprise Class Aircraft Carrier.
Big Fifty-
(Nickname)The Browning 50 Caliber Machine Gun.
Big Five-
A group of Battleships in 1934, were publicized as the Big Five. The ships included the USS Tennessee BB-43; the USS California BB-44; the USS Colorado BB-45; the USS Maryland BB-46; and the
USS West Virginia BB-48.
Big Friend-
(WWII) A Friendly Bomber among fighter pilots.
Big Gray Dog-
(Nickname) A Greyhound Bus.
Big Gun-
(Nickname) Douglas A-1 Skyraider in Vietnam.
Big Iron Sled-
(Nickname) McDonnell-Douglas F-4 Phantom II.
Big Irons-
(Nickname) US Air Force SAC Bombers.
Big J-
(Nickname) USS New Jersey BB-62. An Iowa Class Battleship.
Big John-
(Nickname) USS John F. Kennedy, CV-67; a Kennedy Class Aircraft Carrier.
Big Mac-
(Nickname) USS MacKenzie DD-836, a Gearing Class Destroyer.
Big Mouth-
(Nickname) American actress Martha Ray, during World War II.
Big Nose-
1. (WWII) A Large Bomb.
2. (WWII) An Important Official.
Big Nori-
A name for a hill on the stabilized front, located SW of Chorwan, South Korea.
Big OK-
(Nickname) USS Okanogan APA-220, a Haskill Class Amphibious Attack Troop Transport.
Big One-
The 1st Marine Division, that served in the Pacific during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
Big PX-
(Nickname) The United States, by overseas troops.
Big Red-
(Nickname) The Sun. Popular during the Persian Gulf War.
Big Red One-
The 1st Infantry Division, that served in World War I, World War II in Europe, and the Vietnam War.
Big Sky-
(Squadron Nickname) 186th Fighter Squadron, flying the F-16 Fighting Falcon, for the North Dakota
Air National Guard.
Big Stick-
1. (Nickname) USS Iowa, BB-61. An Iowa Class Battleship.
2. (Nickname) Convair B-36 Peacemaker, long range Bomber.
3. (Nickname) USS Theodore Roosevelt, CVN-71. A Nimitz Class Aircraft Carrier.
Big Sting-
(Nickname) USS Wasp, CV-18. An Essex Class Aircraft Carrier.
Big T-
(Nickname) USS Ticonderoga, CV-14. An Essex Class Aircraft Carrier.
Biggest Dick in the Pacific- (Nickname) USS Bonhomme Richard, CV-31, an Essex Class Aircraft Carrier.
Billy B-
(Nickname) USS Bainbridge DLGN/CGN-25. A Bainbridge Class Cruiser.
Billy Goats- (Squadron Nickname) 559th Flying Training Squadron, operating the T-37 Tweet & the
T-6 Texan II.
Billy Yank-
Union Soldiers, by Confederate Soldiers, during the US Civil War.
Billy’s Bomber-
(Nickname) North American B-25 Mitchell.
Bing Ding-
(Nickname) USS Badoeing Strait, CVE-116; a Commencement Bay Class Escort Carrier.
Bing Bong-
(Nickname) Army Air Force Pacific Theater Ace, Major Richard Bong, during World War II.
Bingo-
(WWII) Codeword for running low on fuel.
Bird-
(Slang) Any airplane.
Birdboat-
(Slang) A Navy Minesweeper.
Birdcage-
A steel reinforced glass encased canopy, used on P-51s’, P-47s’, & F4Us’.
Birddog-
1. (Nickname) Cessna O-1/L-19, Observation aircraft.
2. A radio direction finder.
3. To pursue a matter persistently.
Bird Farm-
(Slang) An Aircraft Carrier.
Birdman-
(WWII) A pilot.
Biscuit Bomber-
(Nickname) Douglas C-47 Skytrain, during the Berlin Airlift.
Biscuit Gun-
(WWII) An air traffic control gun.
Bison-
(NATO Codename) Soviet Tupolev Tu-95, long range bomber, & maritime patrol aircraft.
Bitterbirds-
(Squadron Nickname) VF-884, operated the F4U Corsair during the Korean War.
BJ-
(Buzz Code) Boeing XB-39.
BK-
(Buzz Code) Douglas XB-42.
BL-
(Buzz Code) Boeing XB-44.
Black Aces-
(Squadron Nickname) VF/VFA-41, operated the F-4 Phantom II, F-14 Tomcat & F/A-18 Hornet.
Black Birds-
(Squadron Nickname) 8th Special Operations Squadron, flying the MC-130.
Black Bob-
1. (Nickname) General Thomas O. Hardin.
2. (Nickname) General Robert McCulloch, CSA.
Black Bullet-
Name for the Northrop XP-56 experimental fighter.
Black Bulls-
(Squadron Nickname) HMM-264, flying the CH-46 SkyKnight.
Black Cat-
1. (Nickname) Consolidated PBY Catalina, night attack version in WWII.
2. The 13th Armored Division, that served in Europe during World War II.
Black Cats-
(Squadron Nickname) 41st Airlift Squadron, flying the C-130 Hercules.
Black Diamonds-
(Squadron Nickname) VA-116, operated the FJ Fury. (Disestablished).
Black Eagles-
(Squadron Nickname) 435th Flying Training Squadron, flying the AT-38 Talon.
Black Falcons-
1. (Squadron Nickname) VA-85; flying the AD/A-1 Skyraider & A-6 Intruder. (Disestablished)
2. (Squadron Nickname) 429th Electronic Countermeasures Squadron, flying the EF-111 Raven.
(Disestablished)
Black Gang-
Ships company who works below decks in engineering spaces. (a/k/a: Snipes)
Black Hawk-
1. The Sikorsky HH-60, Multi-role helicopter.
2. The 86th Infantry Division, which served in World War I, and in Europe in World War II.
3. The Curtiss XF-87 Jet propelled night fighter.
Black Hawks-
1. (Squadron Nickname) VAW-113, operates the E-2 Hawkeye.
2. (Squadron Nickname) 92nd Air Refueling Squadron, flying the KC-135.
Black Hogs-
(Squadron Nickname) 103rd FS, flying the A-10 Thunderbolt II, for the Pennsylvania Air National Guard.
Black Jack-
1. (Nickname) General John J. Pershing Commander of US Forces in WWI.
2. (NATO Codename) Tupolev Tu-160, medium bomber.
Black Jacks-
1. (Squadron Nickname) VMF-441, operated the F4U Corsair, during WWII. (Disestablished)
2. (Squadron Nickname) 53rd Airlift Squadron, flying the C-130 Hercules.
Black Knights-
1. (Squadron Nickname) VMFA-314, flying the F-4 Phantom II, & F/A-18 Hornet. Saw service during the Persian Gulf War.
2. (Squadron Nickname) 551st Special Operations Squadron, flying the MH-53 Super Stallion.
3. (Squadron Nickname) 53rd Flying Training Squadron, flying the T-38 Talon.
4. (Squadron Nickname) 31st Special Operations Squadron, flying the MH-53.
5. (Squadron Nickname) HS-4, flying the SH-60 Seahawk.
6. (Squadron Nickname) 57 Fighter Interceptor Squadron/Fighter Squadron, flying the F-15 Eagle. (Disestablished).
7. (Squadron Nickname) VF-154, flying the F-8 Crusader, F-4 Phantom II & F-14 Tomcat (Disestablished).
Black Lions-
(Squadron Nickname) VF-213/VFA-213, flying the F-14 Tomcat & F/A-18 Hornet.
Black Nights-
(Squadron Nickname) 561st Fighter Squadron, flew the F-4 Phantom II. (Disestablished)
Black Panther-
The 66th Infantry Division, which saw service in Europe in World War II.
Black Panthers-
1. (Squadron Nickname) VA-35, operated the AD/A-1 Skyraider & the A-6 Intruder. (Disestablished)
2. (Squadron Nickname) 501st Bomb Squadron, flying the B-25; with the “Air Apaches” in World War II.
Black Ravens-
(Squadron Nickname) VAQ-35, flying the EA-6 Prowler.
Black Sheep-
1. (Squadron Nickname) VMF/VMA-214. The Black Sheep operated the F4U Corsair, the F9F Panther, the
F2H Banshee, the FJ-4 Fury, the A-4 Skyhawk, and the AV-8 Harrier. They served with honor during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
2. (Squadron Nickname) 8th Fighter Squadron, flying the F-117A Nighthawk. Served over Kosovo, Afghanistan & Iraq.
Black Shoes-
(Slang) Term used to describe US Navy Surface Sailors.
Black Widow-
The Northrop P-61, night fighter of World War II.
Black Widows-
1. (Squadron Nickname) 421st Night Fighter Squadron/Tactical Fighter Squadron/Fighter Squadron. Operated the P-61 Black Widow, and F-16 Fighting Falcon.
2. (Squadron Nickname) 425th Fighter Squadron, flying the F-16 Falcon.
Blastard-
(British) The German V-1 guided missile of World War II.
Blinder-
(NATO codename) Soviet Tupolev Tu-22, medium bomber.
Blitz Can-
(Nickname) A German gas can of World War II.
Blivet-
A Rubber Fuel Bladder.
Blood & Fire-
The 63rd Infantry Division, that served in Europe in World War II.
Bloodhounds-
(Squadron Nickname) VX-30, Naval Test Squadron. That flew the F-4 Phantom II, F-14 Tomcat, &
F/A-18 Hornet.
Bloody 100th-
(Group Nickname) 100th Bomb Group, during World War II, that flew the B-17 Flying Fortress, against German Targets.
Bloody Ridge-
A hill that was a battlefield during the Korean War. Located South of the Stabilized Front, in South Korea.
Bloody Trail-
(WWII) Valley in the Kokoda Trail, on the Island of New Guinea.
Blooper-
(Vietnam) An M-79; 40mm Grenade.
Blossom-
The opening of a parachute.
Blow Torch-
(Slang) A Jet Engine.
Blue & Gray-
The 29th Infantry Division. The unit saw service in World War I and World War II in Europe.
Blue Angels-
(Squadron Nickname) US Navy Aerial Demonstration Squadron. They have flown the F6F Hellcat, F8F Bearcat, F9F Panther, F9F-8 Cougar, F11F/F-11 Tiger, F-4 Phantom II, A-4 Skyhawk, & F/A-18 Hornet.
Blue Balls-
Lavatory & latrine sanitizer and disinfectant. Named so, due to their color and shape.
Blue Barons-
(Squadron Nickname) 62nd Airlift Squadron, flying the C-130 Hercules.
Blue Blasters-
(Squadron Nickname) VA/VFA-34, flying the A-4 Skyhawk, A-6 Intruder & F/A-18 Hornet.
Blue Beetle-
(Nickname) USS Drayton DD-366, a Mahan Class Destroyer.
Blue Diamonds-
1. (Squadron Nickname) VFA-146, flying the A-4 Skyhawk, & F/A-18 Hornet.
2. (Squadron Nickname) 18th Airlift Squadron, operating the C-141 Starlifter. (Disestablished)
Blue Dolphins-
(Squadron Nickname) VFA-203, operating the F/A-18 Hornet.
Blue Foxes-
(Squadron Nickname) 18th Fighter Squadron, flying the F-16 Falcon.
Blue Ghost-
1. (Nickname) USS Hornet CV-8, a Yorktown Class Aircraft Carrier.
2. (Nickname) USS Lexington CV-16. An Essex Class aircraft carrier.
Blue Goose-
(Nickname) USS Honolulu CL-48; a Brooklyn Class Light Cruiser.
Blue Jacket-
(WWII) A Sailor.
Blue Jet-
(Nickname) The Northrop AT-38 Talon.
Blue Knights-
1. (Squadron Nickname) 963rd AACS flying the E-3 Sentry.
2. (Squadron Nickname) 349th Air Refueling Squadron, flying the KC-135.
Blue Ridge-
The 80th Infantry Division, who's service included Europe in World War I and II.
Blue Tail Flies-
(Squadron Nickname) 37th Airlift Squadron, flying the C-130 Hercules. (Disestablished)
Blue Tails-
(Squadron Nickname) VAW-121, flying the E-2 Hawkeye.
Blue Tigers-
(Squadron Nickname) 757th Airlift Squadron, flying the C-130 Hercules.
Blue Wolves-
(Squadron Nickname) VS-35, flying the S-3 Viking.
BMS-
Air Force Designation for a Bombardment Squadron. Prior to 1992. Equipped with a suffix (H) for Heavy,
(M) for Medium, and (L) for Light.
BPDMS-
Short for Basic Point Defense Missile System.
Boats-
(Nickname) Boatswain’s Mate.
Bob-
(NATO Codename) Ilyushin Il-4, Bomber.
Bobcats-
(Squadron Nickname) 200th Airlift Squadron, flying the C-21 Lear for the Colorado Air National Guard.
Bob’s Cats-
(Squadron Nickname) VMF-314, flying the F4U Corsair, during World War II.
Bogey-
1. (Codeword) Unidentified Flying Object. (Aircraft of Unknown Nationality)
2. (Nickname) American actor Humphrey Bogart, during World War II.
BOHICA-
(British, Acronym) for Bend Over, Here It Comes Again.
Boiler-
(Slang) A Worn out or obsolete aircraft.
Bold Tigers-
(Squadron Nickname) 391st Fighter Squadron, flying the F-15 Eagle.
Bolo-
The Douglas B-18 light bomber of World War II.
Bolter-
To miss all wires (on landing) on an aircraft carrier, which requires to go around and try again.
Bomber Barons-
(Squadron Nickname) 23rd Bomb Squadron, flying the B-36 Peacemaker, & B-52 Stratofortress.
Bomblet-
A propaganda pamphlet, which was dropped from an airplane.
Boneheads-
(Squadron Nickname) 95th Fighter Squadron, operating the F-15 Eagle.
Bones-
(Squadron Nickname) 77th Bomb Squadron, flying the B-29 Superfortress, & the B-1 Lancer. (Disestablished)
Boneyard-
A place wear wrecked aircraft, worn-out parts, and equipment are gathered.
Bonnie Dick-
(Nickname) USS Bonhomme Richard, CV-31. An Essex Class Aircraft Carrier. The only aircraft carrier to serve during World War II, Korea, and Vietnam Wars.
Booger-
(Slang) To Leave.
Bookie Bird-
(Nickname) Fairchild C-123 Provider.
Boomer-
1. (Nickname) The Boom Operator, onboard a refueling aircraft.
2. (Nickname) Nuclear Ballistic Missile Submarine (SSBN).
Boomeranges-
(Squadron Nickname) VF-62, at operated the F-8 Crusader. (Disestablished)
Boomers-
1. (Squadron Nickname) VA-165 flying the AD/A-1 Skyraider, A-4 Skyhawk & A-6 Intruder. (Disestablished)
2. (Squadron Nickname) VT-27 flying the T-34 Mentor.
Boots-
Boot Camp.
Bore-
(Slang) To fly without a specific mission.
Boston-
(British) The Douglas A-20 Havoc, during World War II.
Bosun-
(NATO Codename) Soviet Tupolev Tu-14, bomber.
Bougainville Navy-
(Nickname) US Navy Destroyer Division (DesDiv) 42,43,44,45,89 & 94 were tasked with fire support for US Army Commanders against Japanese resistance in the Solomoms during 1943. They were excellent at blockading and strangulation of by passed Japanese held islands.
Bouncing Betty-
(Vietnam) A landmine that would jump 2 to 4 feet into the air and explode.
Bouncing Bobby K-
(Nickname) USS Robert K. Huntington DD-781, an Allen M. Sumner Class Destroyer.
Bounder-
(NATO Codename) Soviet Myasischev Mya-52, an Experimental Heavy Bomber.
Bounty Hunters-
(Squadron Nickname) VF/VFA-2, flying the F-14 Tomcat & F/A-18 Hornet.
Bowlers-
(Squadron Nickname) 492nd TFS/FS, flew the F-100 Super Sabre, F-4 Phantom II, F-111 Aardvark, and the
F-15 Eagle. Unit became known as the “Madhatters”.
Bowser-
(WWII) Refueling Truck or Boat.
Box-
(NATO Codename) Lend-Lease Douglas A-20 Havoc, in use with the Soviet Union.
Box that the C-141 came in-
Early Nickname for the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy.
Box Kicker-
(Slang) Air Transportation ground personnel in the US Air Force.
Boxcar-
The Fairchild C-119, transport of the Korean War.
Boxing Bears-
(Squadron Nickname) 90th Flying Training Squadron, flying the T-38 Talon.
Boxkite-
(Nickname) Cessna UC-78 Bobcat.
Boy General-
(Nickname) General George Custer, USA.
Boys from Syracuse-
(Squadron Nickname) 138th TFS/FS. Flown the P-47 Thunderbolt, F-84 Thunderjet, F-51 Mustang,
F-94 Starfire, F-86 Sabre, A-37 Super Tweet, A-10 Thunderbolt II, and the F-16 Falcon, for the
New York Air National Guard. (The Nickname was dropped in the Early 2000’s, for Political Correct reasons.)
BRAC-
(Acronym) Base Realignment And Closure. Pentagon’s cut-backs after the Cold War.
Bradley-
The M-2/M-3 light reconnaissance tank, of the Persian Gulf War. (M-2= “The Bradley Fighting Vehicle”,
ground version) (M-3= “The Bradley Cavalry Vehicle”, airborne version)
Brainbox-
(Slang) A computer.
Brainbucket-
(Slang) A helmet.
Brake Juice-
(Slang) Hydraulic Fluid.
BRAS-
(Acronym) Breathe, Relax, Aim, Squeeze. A Snipers Code, before the kill.
Brass-
A high ranking official.
Brasshat-
(Nickname) Cessna UC-78 Bobcat.
Brass Off-
(Slang) To anger someone.
Bravo-
(Codeword) Letter B.
Bravo Zulu-
(Code Phrase) Good Job.
Breakthrough-
The 4th Armored Division, that saw service in Europe in World War II.
Brem-
(Nickname) USS Bremerton CA-130, a Baltimore Class Heavy Cruiser.
Brewer-
(NATO Codename) Yakovlev Yak-28B.
Broad Arrows-
(Squadron Nickname) VP-62 flying the P-3 Orion.
Brolly-
(British) A Parachute.
Bronco-
The Rockwell OV-10, Liaison aircraft. Used during the Persian Gulf War.
Brown Noser-
(Slang) An ass kisser, suck up.
Brown Round-
(Nickname) An Army Drill Sergeant.
Brown Water Navy-
(Vietnam) US Navy operations on the Mekong Delta and on the various rivers in Vietnam.
BS-
1. (Short) Bullshit.
2. Air Force designation for a Bomb Squadron. 1992-Present.
BT-
1. Aircraft designation for Basic Training.
2. (Slang) Barely Trainable.
3. (Navy) Boiler Technician.
Bubbleheads-
(Slang) US Navy submariners.
Buck-
(NATO Codename) Soviet Petlyakov Pe-2 & Pe-3.
Bucket O’ Bolts-
(WWII) An airplane engine.
Buckeye-
1. The Rockwell T-2 Naval Jet Trainer.
2. The 37th Infantry Division, service included World War I, and the Pacific in World War II.
Buck Private-
Lowest Enlisted Rank in the US Army & US Marine Corps.
Buck Sergeant-
Lowest NCO Rank in the US Army, Air Force, & Marine Corps.
Bucking for a Section Eight-
An individual looking for a discharge of insanity, to get out of the armed services early.
Buccaneer-
1. The Brewster A-34, attack aircraft.
2. (Nickname) General George C. Kenney, USA; of World War II.
Buccaneers-
1. (Squadron Nickname) 20th Bomb Squadron, flying the B-29 Superfortress, B-47 Stratojet &
B-52 Stratofortress.
2. (Squadron Nickname) 428th TFS/FS flying the F-111 Aardvark & F-16 Falcon.
Buccaneros-
(Squadron Nickname) 198th Airlift Squadron, flying the C-130 Hercules for the Puerto Rican Air National Guard.
Buckaroo-
Name for the Fairchild T-35 trainer. (a/k/a: Plebe).
Buckin’ Bronco-
(Nickname) USS Colorado BB-45, a Colorado Class Battleship.
Bucking Butner-
(Nickname) USAT General Henry W. Butner AP/TAP-113. A John Pope Class Troop Transport.
Buddha-
(Nickname) Boeing C-17 Globemaster III.
BUFF-
1. (Acronym) Big, Ugly, Flying Fucker.
2. (Nickname) Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, heavy bomber.
3. (Nickname) Sikorsky H-53 Super Stallion, heavy helicopter.
Buffalo-
1. The Brewster F2A, naval fighter of early World War II. Largely disliked.
2. The 92nd Infantry Division, European service in World War I and WWII.
Buffalo Soldier-
(Slang) African-American Soldiers between the US Civil War and World War II.
Bug-
1. A defect.
2. To retreat in a panic or extreme haste.
3. (Nickname) McDonnell-Douglas/Boeing F/A-18 Hornet.
Bug Juice-
1. (WWII, Korea) Propeller deicing fluid.
2. (Navy) Kool Aid.
Bugle Blowin’ Rowan-
(Nickname) USS Rowan DD-782, a Gearing Class Destroyer.
Bugout Boogie-
(Korea) Organized or Unorganized retreat.
Building 116-
(Nickname) USS Badoeing Strait CVE-116, during the Korean War.
Bull-
1. (NATO Codeword) Soviet Tupolev Tu-4, a reversed engineered copy of the Boeing B-29 Superfortress.
2. (Nickname) Admiral William F. Halsey, USN.
Bulls-
1.
(Squadron Nickname) VFA-37, flying the F/A-18 Hornet.
2. (Squadron Nickname) HMM-264, flying the CH-46 Sea Knight.
Bulldog-
(Nickname) General Walton H. Walker, USA, in the Korean War.
Bulldogs-
1. (Squadron Nickname) VMF-223/VMA-223. The Bulldogs flew the F2A Buffalo, F4F Wildcat, F4U Corsair,
F9F Panther, FJ-4 Fury, A-4 Skyhawk & the AV-8 Harrier. They served during World War II, Korea, and during Vietnam.
2. (Squadron Nickname) 179th Fighter Squadron, operating the F-16 Fighting Falcon, for the
Minnesota Air National Guard.
3. (Squadron Nickname) 354 Fighter Squadron, operating the A-10 ‘Warthog’.
Bullet & Blades-
(Nickname) Lockheed F-104 Starfighter.
Bullshit-
(Slang) Idle Chatter, Frequently untruthful.
Bullshit Artist-
(Slang) A person who lies convincingly.
Bullshit Bomber-
1. (Nickname) Douglas EC-47 Skytrain in Vietnam.
2. (Nickname) Cessna O-2 Skymaster in Vietnam.
Bullshitting-
(Slang) Lying or Exaggerating.
Bully Beef Express-
(Squadron Nickname) 6th Airlift Squadron, operated the C-141 Starlifter and the C-17 Globemaster III.
Bumblebees-
(Squadron Nickname) VMBF/VMA-331. They flew the SBD Dauntless, F4U Corsair, AD/A-1 Skyraider,
A-4 Skyhawk & the AV-8 Harrier II. Served during the Persian Gulf War. (Disestablished)
Bunky-
(Nickname) USS Bunker Hill, CV-17. An Essex Class Aircraft Carrier.
Bunk Flying-
Off duty discussion of flying techniques and/or experiences by pilots gathered around their bunks.
Bunker Hill-
1. Hill 221, east of Panmunjom, Korea; which saw considerable fighting during the Korean War.
2. Early Battle in the American Revolutionary War, in Massachusetts.
Bunys-
(Squadron Nickname) 7th Fighter Squadron/Combat Training Squadron, flying the T-38 Talon & the
F-117 Nighthawk. (a/k/a: Screamin’ Demons)
Burbank Boomerange-
(Nickname) Lockheed Hudson, of World War II.
Bus Driver-
(1950s’ & 1960s’ Slang) Any US Air Force personnel, since their uniforms looked like civilian bus drivers uniforms.
Bush-
Any locale outside the confines of a military installation.
Bushmasters-
(Squadron Nickname) 78th TFS/FS operated the F-101 Voodoo, F-4 Phantom II, A-10 Thunderbolt II, & the
F-16 Falcon.
Busy Bee-
(Nickname) USS Boxer CV-21, an Essex Class Aircraft Carrier.
Busy Boise-
(Nickname) USS Boise CL-47, a Brooklyn Class Light Cruiser.
Butcher-
(NATO Codename) Soviet Ilyushin Il-28.
Butcher Bird-
(Nickname) German Focke-Wulf Fw-190, of World War II.
Butcher of Baghdad-
(Nickname) Former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.
Butler Hanger-
(WWII) A temporary pre-fabricated hanger.
Butterbar-
(Nickname) A Second Lieutenant.
Butterfly Bomb-
(WWII) A Fragmentation bomb.
Butter Paddle-
A short, wide bladed prop. (Example: P-3C Propeller)
Buttoned Up-
Ready to Go.
Buttons-
(Codename) The Island of Espiritu Santo, during World War II.
Buzzard-
(Allied Codename) Nippon Ku-7, Glider.
Buzzards-
(Squadron Nickname) 510th Fighter Squadron, flying the A-10 Thunderbolt and F-16 Fighting Falcon. Served during Kosovo.
Buzz Bomb- (WWII) The German V-1 Guided Missile.
Buzz Code-
An Air Force designation system for Fighters, Bombers & Trainer (saw some use on Transports as well, but not widely used after 1948). Two Letters, indicating aircraft type and the last 3 digits of the aircrafts serial number. (Example: BA-935, would be painted on the side of the fuselage). Buzz Codes were discontinued in 1966.
