The USS Oklahoma
Glossary
aircraft carrier: A warship with a deck from which aircraft can take off and land.
anchor: A device usually of metal that is attached to a boat or ship by a cable and that, when thrown overboard, digs into the earth and holds the boat or ship in place.
anti-aircraft: Anything used to defend against an air attack.
armor: A protective outer layer used to defend someone or something from attack usually made from a heavy and tough material like steel.
boiler: The part of a steam generator in which water is converted into steam. It usually consists of metal shells and tubes.
bow: The forward part of a boat or ship.
bridge: The forward part of a ship's superstructure from which the ship is navigated.
caliber: The diameter or bore of a gun barrel.
catapult: A device for launching an airplane usually from a ship like an aircraft carrier.
crane: A machine with a swinging arm for lifting and carrying heavy objects.
crow's nest: A partly enclosed platform high on a ship's mast for use as a lookout.
destroyer: A small, fast warship armed with guns, depth charges, torpedoes, and, often, guided missiles.
fleet: A number of warships under a single command; in other words, an organization of ships and aircraft under the command of a flag officer.
funnel: A stack or flue for the escape of smoke or ventilation, as on a ship.
hull: The frame or body of a ship or boat exclusive of masts, yards, sails, and rigging.
keel: A timber or plate running lengthwise along the center of the bottom of a ship and usually sticking out from the bottom.
mast: A long pole or spar rising from the keel or deck of a ship that supports the yards, booms, and rigging.
Navy: The complete naval establishment of a nation including yards, stations, ships, and personnel.
porthole: An opening in the side of a ship or aircraft.
port: When looking towards the front of a ship or aircraft, the left side.
propeller: A device consisting of a hub fitted with blades that is made to turn rapidly by an engine and is used especially for propelling airplanes and ships.
range finder: An instrument used to determine the distance of a target.
righting: The act of reversing a capsized vessel.
rudder: A flat movable piece of wood or metal attached to the rear of a ship or aircraft for steering.
sailor: A member of a ship's crew.
shell: A projectile for cannon containing an explosive bursting charge.
ship: A large vessel for travel on water.
spotter: A person that locates targets beyond the visible horizon.
steam engine: An engine that uses steam for power.
stern: The rear end of a boat or ship.
submarine: A naval vessel designed to operate underwater.
tactics: The science and art of disposing and maneuvering forces in combat.
torpedo: A weapon used to destroy ships by rupturing their hulls below the waterline.
turret: A revolving armored structure on a warship that protects one or more guns mounted within.
U-boat: A German submarine.
vessel: A watercraft that is larger than a boat.
waterline: A line marked on the outside of a ship that matches the surface of the water when the ship floats.
