Naval Trivia!

[komichido]

Ok, I really enjoy trivia threads. We did one for a while over on A&A Minis. Here are the rules....
1. Stick to Naval stuff.
2. I will start, whoever answers the question right, upon my approval of thier answer gets to ask a question, and so on....
3. Really interesting stuff is awesome, some of you out there are really full of some good, long forgotten knowledge. However, I will start out with an easy one just to get us started.

Here goes;

What is a coxswain..I would like to know what it was originally and what it developed into in modern naval times.

Komi

[Bigblue2]

Originally a coxswain was a member of the rowing crew. Now it is a member that pilots a small boat.

[komichido]

These types of questions are sometimes hard to answer exactly as the asker wants so I will accept your answer.

Originally a coxswain was the lead boy on the Captain's 'swain' or small boat. Now it refers to a Helmsman on many vessels.

Ok Bigblue your question.....fire away!

Komi

[Kaufschtick]

Maybe I'm out of place here, and this is another easy one, but...

The Allied invasion of Guadalcanal was officially called Operation: WatchTower. What was the "unofficial" operational name of this endeavor?

[Joisey]

The Pacific Ops web page that was just put up in another thread says it was called Operation Cactus. It identifies Watchtower as a landing in the Solomons.

Link: http://pacific.valka.cz/operatio/operatio_frame.htm

[Joisey]

My own trivia question: Name the last major Japanese warship that was built in a foriegn ship yard.

[TheCygnysGuardian]

What is the Kongo?

[Bigblue2]

As I earned the right to ask the next question, here it is.

What is a yardarm?

[jeffgoboom]

As I earned the right to ask the next question, here it is.

What is a yardarm?

yard•arm

Pronunciation: (yärd'ärm"), [key] (http://www.infoplease.com/pronkey.html)
—n. Naut.
either of the outer portions of the yard of a square sail.

[ASWO]

As I earned the right to ask the next question, here it is.

What is a yardarm?

The dictionary lists it as either of the outer portions of the yard of a square sail.

On modern ships it is the pulleys and lanyards used to hoist signal flags.

[Bigblue2]

jeffgoboom gets it first. Your question.

By the way, did you cheat and look it up? :rolleyes:

[komichido]

hey folks lets ask questions when we win....makes it more competative that way...:D

Win the qustion and you get to ask your own.

I wonder if with this internet thingy that can help us find answers if anyone could ever stump us???? We shall see...

Fire away whoever is up....

komi

[Jesse_James]

what is long hard and filled with seamen?

Sorry. I held off as long as I could. You have no idea how hard it was trying not to type it.

Forgive me. :o

I still remember when I first heard that joke..... 4 days ago. :)

[Kaufschtick]

what is long hard and filled with seamen?

Sorry. I held off as long as I could. You have no idea how hard it was trying not to type it.

Forgive me. :o

I still remember when I first heard that joke..... 4 days ago. :)

LOL!!!:D ROFL!!! Good timing on that one!!:D

[Jesse_James]

LOL!!!:D ROFL!!! Good timing on that one!!:D

I just looked at the post above me. I see why the joke is even better than when I first heard it. :rolleyes:

[jeffgoboom]

Of course I cheated and looked it up.

Identify the first German vessel sunk in the war. Name and date please.

[Joisey]

What is the Kongo?

Correct. Go ahead and ask a question.

[komichido]

Hey Jesse that was funny!:D I know you were trying to hold back and you just couldn't control it. Very nice....I wonder if that one will stump anybody.

Komi

Now..for the German vessel question..hmmmm...

[TheCygnysGuardian]

Correct. Go ahead and ask a question.

I'll wait until the other questions are answered. Don't want to add to the confusion.

[jeffgoboom]

Identify the first German vessel sunk in the war. Name and date please.

Looks like I killed the thread with my question. It made it to page two. This will bump the question back to page one. My source is The World War II Quiz & Fact Book by Timothy B. Benford. I didn't find it on the internet.

TheCygnysGuardian, while we wait for an answer to this one, you might as well start a second one.

[TheCygnysGuardian]

Righty-o.
How many Yamato-class battleships were planned?

[jeffgoboom]

4
Yamato
Musashi
Shinano Keel laid 5/4/1940 but completed as a carrier and sunk by USS Archerfish (SS-311) 11.29/1944
Hull 111 Keel laid 11/7/1940 and cancelled September 1942.

If that's right heres my question: Of the 11 BB and BC in this game how many of them survived the war?

[TheCygnysGuardian]

I'll give that one to you. There were five, but the proposed Hull 797 was never ordered.

[jeffgoboom]

I'll give that one to you. There were five, but the proposed Hull 797 was never ordered.
Bad website on my part then it showed 797 798 and 799 as Super Yamato class. Here's mine restated.

Of the 11 BB and BC in this game how many of them survived the war?

[Commissar]

If that's right heres my question: Of the 11 BB and BC in this game how many of them survived the war?

Is it 5? (Rich, Rod, TN, WA, IA)

EDIT: Oops. I checked... I'm wrong!

[jeffgoboom]

Close but not quite there.

[afilter]

Is it 5? (Rich, Rod, TN, WA, IA)

EDIT: Oops. I checked... I'm wrong!

It is 6 add Vittorio Veneto to the above Scraped in 1948

[jeffgoboom]

It is 6 add Vittorio Veneto to the above Scraped in 1948
Correct-do-mundo - your honor.

[afilter]

Ok, When was the Last U.S. BB Serving on Active duty decommishioned.

[jeffgoboom]

Ok, When was the Last U.S. BB Serving on Active duty decommishioned.
The Iowa and Wisconsin are still In Reserve status the Iowa was decommishioned 10/26/1990 and the Wisconsin was decomminshioned 9/30/1991.

If I'm right please ask another question. I've got to leave for a banquet/concert.

[zaarin7]

Who knows what the other term for portside is?
If you know that one do you know where that term came from?

[Raeder]

Larboard, and it was called that because it was the side that the ship was loaded on (laddeborde). Ships couldn't dock on the starboard side because it was the side that held the steering oar (starboard). OK.

[Raeder]

Screw it, I know I'm right. Which US battleship earned more battle stars than any other in WWII? IN WWII.

[komichido]

Is it the North Carolina with 15?

Komi

[Raeder]

Yes, the New Jersey also has 15, but it was only 9 in WWII, 4 in Korea, and 2 for Vietnam. Your Question.

[Joisey]

Ha, Komichido is waiting to get his trivia question off the History Channel tonight. :D

[komichido]

ok here is a quick one BEFORE the History Channel show! LOL (Nice one Joisey) What do the terms "Black shoe" vs "brown shoe" mean in Naval terms during WWII?

Good luck I think this is a tough one....ok show coming on now...later

Komi

[ASWO]

What do the terms "Black shoe" vs "brown shoe" mean in Naval terms during WWII?

Black Shoe -> Shipdrivers
Brown Shoe -> Aviators

[Dragonman505]

Hello all, I am new to this forum but have what I hope will be useful information. I am retired U.S. Navy. The people that steer the ships in the Navy are Quartermasters. Coxswains are small craft operators (drivers). Coxswain is not a rating (job description) but a special qualification in addition to a person's rating (in the modern Navy). They drive everything from Zodiac boats to the ship's boats, to the LCACs (Landing Craft Air Cushioned) that put Marines and their equipment ashore. I hope this helps.

[komichido]

Correct ASWO...ask yer question matey....arrr


Welcome aboard Dragonman....thanks for the info.

Komi

[ASWO]

What is it and why do ships undergo degaussing?

[Patton4014]

What is it and why do ships undergo degaussing?

It demagnitzes the hull of a ship. Keeps from setting off magnetic mines and the like.

Now did you know that it matters if you are north or south of the equator when you do it? why?

[ASWO]

Correct. The Earth's magnetic field has opposite polarity North and South of the equator. Your turn to ask a question.

[Patton4014]

What is Adm. Yamamoto's real last name and when did he change it?

[Rysyonok]

What is Adm. Yamamoto's real last name and when did he change it?

Born Isoroku Takano. Adopted into Yamamoto family in 1916.

[Rysyonok]

Question: Maximum number of torpedo tubes ever mounted on a single ship?

[Joisey]

Question: Maximum number of torpedo tubes ever mounted on a single ship?

twenty four?

[Rysyonok]

Close... 44x61". IJN Oi/Kitakami, 1941 refit. :)

Your question?

[komichido]

Bump

Lets have a question...anyone start it up again!

Komi

[Captain Hydro]

Okay, how about this:
Name the FIRST TWO ships in the US Navy to be named for a ship from another countrie's Navy

[ASWO]

Okay, how about this:
Name the FIRST TWO ships in the US Navy to be named for a ship from another countrie's Navy

1778 and 1779, John Paul Jones captured the English ships HMS Drake and HMS Serapis. The ships were then brought into the fledgling Continental Navy.
I don't think the names were changed other than dropping the HMS.

[Captain Hydro]

All true, but not the ones I'm looking for as the correct ones were US built

[komichido]

Really good one Hydro.....I am looking for it as we speak.

Komi

[Captain Hydro]

Please don't tell me there are no other guesses

[Rysyonok]

*flips through 1860-1905 Conway with no luck*

:(

[jeffgoboom]

Of course I cheated and looked it up.

Identify the first German vessel sunk in the war. Name and date please.

Nobody ever guessed mine from back on page two. And it was even a WWII question. The answer was: After an unsuccessful attack on HMS Ark Royal a submarine, U-39, was sunk in the Atlantic by Royal Navy destroyers (HMS Faulknor, Firedrake, and Foxhound) on 9/14/1939. All 44 members of the crew survived and were taken prisoner.

[Bigblue2]

Coxswains are small craft operators (drivers). Coxswain is not a rating (job description) but a special qualification in addition to a person's rating (in the modern Navy).

That might be true for the Navy, but the Air Force actually had a career field designated as coxswain in the early 80's. here job was to pilot small craft (boats). There were only two positions in the entire Air Force.

[Dragonman505]

Alright... What is the difference between a ship and a boat? If I don't get the correct answer in the next five or six threads I'll tell you.

[Thunderjp]

A ship can carry a boat but a boat can't carry a ship?

I wrote the above, then searched and found this more accurate description:

"The distinction between a ship and a boat varies depending on regional definitions, but as a general rule, a boat can fit onto a ship, but a ship cannot fit onto a boat."

[Dragonman505]

Thunder JP has it!

[Thunderjp]

The allies had one particularly successful invasion. Approximately 35,000 allied troops landed in a major operation. Allied casualties during the invasion nevertheless numbered close to 200. Only 17 American soldiers and 4 Canadian soldiers were killed in the action.

How was the invasion force able to take the island with so few casualties?

[Joisey]

The allies had one particularly successful invasion. Approximately 35,000 allied troops landed in a major operation. Allied casualties during the invasion nevertheless numbered close to 200. Only 17 American soldiers and 4 Canadian soldiers were killed in the action.

How was the invasion force able to take the island with so few casualties?

I think you are referring to one of the Aluetian Islands, where the Japanese had left a week earlier under cover of fog. All the casualties were friendly fire casualties.

By today's standards, Harry Reid would be declaring the Pacific War lost at that point. :rolleyes:

[Thunderjp]

I think you are referring to one of the Aluetian Islands, where the Japanese had left a week earlier under cover of fog. All the casualties were friendly fire casualties.


You got it, all 21 deaths were from deadly traps and friendly fire incidents. Your turn :)

[ASWO]

How about a simple question:

Name all the oceans in the world.

[Rysyonok]

How about a simple question:

Name all the oceans in the world.

Indian
Atlantic
Pacific
Arctic

[Rysyonok]

Which WW2 ship earned the nickname of "The Blue Leader" for its striking light blue color?

Hint: Sunk by German aircraft at Black Sea.

[Captain Hydro]

Okay, how about this:
Name the FIRST TWO ships in the US Navy to be named for a ship from another countrie's Navy

Still looking for an answer:)

[swarbs]

Hydro,

Taking a guess here, how about Guerriere (new frigate named after the one sunk by Constitution in 1812), and Peacock (new sloop of war named after the one sunk by Hornet, same war).

[Captain Hydro]

I never heard about the Peacock, but the Guerriere was one of the two I did know of. The other was named for the 44 gun Frigate HMS Java, also sunk by the Constitution during the War of 1812.

[swarbs]

yeah, I was pretty sure about Guerriere, Peacock was definately made also, I think it may preceed Java a little bit since Java was the third of the successful frigate actions, ah if only there were miniature sailing frigates I could push around. I guess I got close enough to ask a question.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (the Hiawatha by the shores of Gitchigoomee guy), famous American poet, was named after his uncle, a US Navy officer, who died in what famous action? Hope this is tough, hope no one minds we've gotten away from WWII.

[swarbs]

Crap, I can't believe I killed the thread, here's a hint.


Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (the Hiawatha by the shores of Gitchigoomee guy), famous American poet, was named after his uncle, a US Navy officer, who died in what famous action? Hope this is tough, hope no one minds we've gotten away from WWII.

Longfellow's uncle was named Midshipman Henry Wadsworth, you'll find his name on the Tripoli Monument on the yard at the US Naval Academy.

Someone should feel free to ask a WWII question too, I can't think of a tough one.

[kaz]

O well hears an easy one was the bismarck sunk by UK or was it skuteld by the german sailors on bord ???

[Joisey]

Sunk by a DD torpedo, right?

[Dragonman505]

The British claim that one of their torpedoes sunk it. An officer that survived the sinking claimed even after the hours of pounding that her armored deck was unpeirced, the engines were fully fuctional (they just couldn't steer) and the hull was still completely bouyant. He claimed that the Germans scuttled it to avoid it's capture.

[kaze256]

I think its a moot point. If the Germans scuttled it because the British damaged it that much then it was in fact the British that caused it to sink.

[Big Kahuna]

well the damage was done by a plane days before then right? LOL...

[ASWO]

Crap, I can't believe I killed the thread, here's a hint.



Longfellow's uncle was named Midshipman Henry Wadsworth, you'll find his name on the Tripoli Monument on the yard at the US Naval Academy.

Someone should feel free to ask a WWII question too, I can't think of a tough one.

It's been a few years since my yard gouge was utilized. . . The Tripoli monument memorializes the officers killed during the battle for the harbor of Tripoli in Africa.

[ASWO]

Table salt question:

How's the cow?

[Sharpe]

How's the cow?

It walks, it talks, it's full of chalk. The lactic acid extracted from the female of the bovine species is prolific to the nth degree. (approximately)

What famous politician's first naval assignment was to a ship named after his brother?

[Captain Hydro]

The British claim that one of their torpedoes sunk it. An officer that survived the sinking claimed even after the hours of pounding that her armored deck was unpeirced, the engines were fully fuctional (they just couldn't steer) and the hull was still completely bouyant. He claimed that the Germans scuttled it to avoid it's capture.

A hull survey done a few years back showed the extent of hull damage the Bismarck took. The quick and dirty list is:
1) Starboard rudder blown into center screw, screw and rudder unusable
2) Starboard screw damaged either by torpedo hit or hitting ocean floor
3) 3 torpedo hits on port side, DID NOT COMPROMISE TORPEDO BULKHEAD
4) Stern missing aft of armored bulkhead, probably during sinking
5) one hole in deck by turret Casar on port side forward of barbette

[swarbs]

It's been a few years since my yard gouge was utilized. . . The Tripoli monument memorializes the officers killed during the battle for the harbor of Tripoli in Africa.

Nice work, the six officers on the monument were all killed during the Tripolitan War, first phase of the barbary wars, specifically Wadsworth bought it when the fire-ship Intrepid blew up before reaching its destination, the Bashaw's castle.

[swarbs]

How's the cow?

It walks, it talks, it's full of chalk. The lactic acid extracted from the female of the bovine species is prolific to the nth degree. (approximately)

What famous politician's first naval assignment was to a ship named after his brother?

It could only be Bobby Kennedy.

[Sharpe]

Good job, swarbs.

[DeathsHead420]

IMO the bismark was scuttled not sunk.

[swarbs]

Good job, swarbs.

Thanks, here's another old-timey question. This warship, named after the Sweedish royal familiy was the first galleon with two gundecks, it also capsized the first time it got underweigh right in front of the King of Sweeden. I guess top-heavy was the word of the day. Name this ship, and give yourself a pat on the back if you've ever gone to visit it.

[Stealth]

Thanks, here's another old-timey question. This warship, named after the Sweedish royal familiy was the first galleon with two gundecks, it also capsized the first time it got underweigh right in front of the King of Sweeden. I guess top-heavy was the word of the day. Name this ship, and give yourself a pat on the back if you've ever gone to visit it.

I believe its named the Vasa, or maybe spelled Wasa.
I got to see it during a stay in Stockholm some years ago. Amazingly preserved, and a great deal of relics along with it. Old shoes, utensiles, coins, clothing. The water was so cold it preserved all sorts of items very well.

[hoodrich]

during the Russo-Japanese war the Mikasa was the flagship of Admiral Togo, where and who was the builder of this ship?

[Cruizin2000]

during the Russo-Japanese war the Mikasa was the flagship of Admiral Togo, where and who was the builder of this ship?

I'll guess and say the British. They made alot of Japan's ships that were used in WWII.

C2000

[swarbs]

I believe its named the Vasa, or maybe spelled Wasa.
I got to see it during a stay in Stockholm some years ago. Amazingly preserved, and a great deal of relics along with it. Old shoes, utensiles, coins, clothing. The water was so cold it preserved all sorts of items very well.

yeah, that's it, it is quite an amazing sight

[ASWO]

during the Russo-Japanese war the Mikasa was the flagship of Admiral Togo, where and who was the builder of this ship?

Specifically, Mikasa was ordered from the Vickers shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness, United Kingdom at the end of 1898, for delivery to Japan in 1902. She took three years to complete.

[ASWO]

What is the use of a monkeyfist?

[ASWO]

To not kill the thread. . .

A monkeyfist is used to heave lines over the side of a ship. Rubber heaving balls have mostly replaced them now. Monkeyfists were made up of a bit of lead wrapped in small line, the pattern of the wrapping looked similar to a fist.

Easier question:

If at the true north pole, which way does the magnetic compass point? Also what happens to a gyro compass?

[Heir_Ludendorff]

At true north a magnetic compass will point south and to another east/west direction that fluctuates based on the position of magnetic north.

[Texas_Archer]

Before World War 2, the Americans built a small class of ships (2 ships) for overseas and defense of carribean interests. She was 2,339 tons (decent destroyer size) and had 4 6" guns in 4 single mounts. she was Torpedoed in late november 1942 and did not sink until december 5, 1942 in port. She was classified as a gunboat. Name her.

[ASWO]

Before World War 2, the Americans built a small class of ships (2 ships) for overseas and defense of carribean interests. She was 2,339 tons (decent destroyer size) and had 4 6" guns in 4 single mounts. she was Torpedoed in late november 1942 and did not sink until december 5, 1942 in port. She was classified as a gunboat. Name her.

Gunboat ERIE (PG 50)

[Heir_Ludendorff]

Let's go back to the monkey questions.

The phrase "Cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey" comes from the navy. What does it mean?

[Outlaw]

Let's go back to the monkey questions.

The phrase "Cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey" comes from the navy. What does it mean?

Here's a good reference: http://www.history.navy.mil/faqs/faq107.htm. Seems from this that it is a literary reference first (with tail instead of balls) and then a colorful phrase later.

I had just been reviewing that site earlier today then saw this question.

[Heir_Ludendorff]

Well Outlaw it's your turn to ask a question.

[Yankee]

This isn't a naval quiz question but it is an interesting bit of naval "trivia." I was reading up on the U.S.S. Atlanta and not only was she the third vessel to bear that name, (Confederate ironclad ram & Armored cruiser from 1890's came before her) but she was sponsered by and christened by none other than Margaret Mitchell, author of "Gone With The Wind." :D

[Outlaw]

Quick one then:

What was the first ship laid down, christened, and commissioned for a woman who had served in the U.S. Navy, and the first to see combat so named?

(Aside, I think second is pretty cool too.)

[ASWO]

What was the first ship laid down, christened, and commissioned for a woman who had served in the U.S. Navy, and the first to see combat so named?

USS Higbee (DD-806), 1945 a Gearing-class destroyer

[Outlaw]

Correct.

The other I alluded to is the USS Hopper (DDG-70).

Your turn...

[ASWO]

Why did sailors prefer to wear bellbottom pants?

[Captain Hydro]

In my day, they covered up a bad shoe shine:D

[Positronica]

Why did sailors prefer to wear bellbottom pants?

If a sailor fell into the water, bell bottoms would trap more air inside the pant legs on the way down, and would keep the sailor afloat longer. Also, if the sailor took the pants off and tied the legs and waist shut to make a make-shift life preserver, bell bottoms would conceivably hold more air than straight legged pants. (This is all conjecture, though, since I don't believe there's any real solid evidence as to why bell bottoms were originally worn by sailors one way or another.)

Here's my question... What was the first submarine to fire a torpedo while submerged?

[ASWO]

If a sailor fell into the water, bell bottoms would trap more air inside the pant legs on the way down, and would keep the sailor afloat longer. Also, if the sailor took the pants off and tied the legs and waist shut to make a make-shift life preserver, bell bottoms would conceivably hold more air than straight legged pants.

The answer does have to do with water, but not floating. Once you get wet (wave crashing over the side, etc.) the water follows gravity's laws and sinks to the bottom of your pants. The bell shaped legs allowed more air to circulate and would therefore dry faster than straight legged pants.

[ASWO]

Here's my question... What was the first submarine to fire a torpedo while submerged?

Nordenfelt-class Ottoman submarine Abdülhamid (1886).

[ASWO]

What effect does the Thermalcline have on ASW operations?

[swarbs]

What effect does the Thermalcline have on ASW operations?

Because sound travels at different speeds through water of different densities sound (and therefore sonar) waves can be deflected by quick changes in water density over a short space. The thermocline, a depth where the water's temperature changes rapidly, is one such area because water of different temperatures has different densities. Sub skippers often search for these temperature gradients to 'hide' from sonar.

[Captain Hydro]

[QUOTE=Positronica;263522]If a sailor fell into the water, bell bottoms would trap more air inside the pant legs on the way down, and would keep the sailor afloat longer. Also, if the sailor took the pants off and tied the legs and waist shut to make a make-shift life preserver, bell bottoms would conceivably hold more air than straight legged pants. (This is all conjecture, though, since I don't believe there's any real solid evidence as to why bell bottoms were originally worn by sailors one way or another.)

Actually, the using clothing as floatation is part of the training received in "Boot Camp". Even the white "Dixie Cup" hat has enough bouyancy to hold up a person. The knotting of the pant legs and tying them together is a proven life saving technique for long term at sea survival in warm water conditions.

[ASWO]

What is the name of this punishment? I fasten a rope around you, and then drag you from port to starboard under the ship. In extreme cases the direction went from bow to stern. By the way, flying overhead would be the Dutch flag.

[Lynx7725]

Keelhauling.

[Muenchausen]

[quote=Positronica;263522]If a sailor fell into the water, bell bottoms would trap more air inside the pant legs on the way down, and would keep the sailor afloat longer. Also, if the sailor took the pants off and tied the legs and waist shut to make a make-shift life preserver, bell bottoms would conceivably hold more air than straight legged pants. (This is all conjecture, though, since I don't believe there's any real solid evidence as to why bell bottoms were originally worn by sailors one way or another.)

When I was in high school we had to take two years of simming class and we were taught this as a survival technique. This would not work for with blue jeans but it did work for most synthetic materails.

You've got the technique correct in part. You tie of the bottom of the legs and position the pants behind you. You have to be in a verticle position in the water. With both hands on the waiste of the pants you bring them over your head as high and fast as you can. If you did it right both legs fill with air. You then held the waist shut and held it to your chest with the crotch of the pants under your chin. (No joke please) You did not tie off the waist because the air would slowly leak out and you would have to repeat this procedure again.

[Captain Hydro]

Wouldn't work with jeans? That seems strange since the Navy issued Dungaree is nothing more than jeans with patch pockets and they work fine for this.

[MichaelR]

New Question:

Name four ships that were changed mid-construction to a different class of ship because of the Washington Accord.

[Sharpe]

Lexington, Saratoga, Kaga, Akagi.

[Texas_Archer]

Here's another question. name the American destroyer that was captured by the Japanese in Indonesia, and survived the war only to be discarded and sunk in 1946?