Should we stop referring to Naval vessels as, "She" as it may unknowingly be offensive?

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sat, 28 Jun 2014 18:41:41 -0400

http://goatlocker.org/resources/nav/shipshe.htm

Naval ships have historically been referred to as, "She". A bit confusing when the ship is named after Ronald Reagan or Abraham Lincoln, but I'm willing to roll with it. Does anyone else feel differently?

Why We Call a Ship a She

A salty retired U.S. Navy flag officer shuns the current trend toward polical correctness.Ships are referred to as "she" because men love them, but this encompasses far more than just that. Man-o'-war or merchantman, there can be a great deal of bustle about her as well as a gang of men on deck, particularly if she is slim-waisted, well-stacked, and has an inviting superstructure. It is not so much her initial cost as it is her upkeep that...

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Jun 28 at 2014 6:46 PM

MSG Wade Huffman — Sat, 28 Jun 2014 18:46:11 -0400

I'll go with 'tradition'. Actually I'll roll with anything EXCEPT time to be politically correct... I'm sick and tired of politically correct.
Not surprising that ships are referred to as 'she', so are most men's cars, bikes, etc. I realize that Navy vessels are now commanded by females as well, but let's just call it tradition and leave it be. I believe planes are pretty much treated the same way?? Any USAF want to comment on that??

Response by LCpl Steve Wininger made Jun 28 at 2014 6:51 PM

LCpl Steve Wininger — Sat, 28 Jun 2014 18:51:31 -0400

I voted no, it is tradition, however, I am sure in this age of being politically correct some vessels might become offended and rebel. Perhaps we should rename the entire fleet Jenny 1, 2, 3, etc. Just so no one is offended... Wait, that may offend Jenny. Maybe we could rename them all She 1, 2, 3, etc.

This could also have serious repercussions on the Air Force, I think they refer to their birds as she also.

Call an emergency session of Congress, this could shut down the entire military.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jun 28 at 2014 6:57 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sat, 28 Jun 2014 18:57:09 -0400

This is Lite Talk 101, W-WTF, the phone lines are open and we're waiting to here from you :-)

Response by LCpl Steve Wininger made Jun 28 at 2014 7:10 PM

LCpl Steve Wininger — Sat, 28 Jun 2014 19:10:03 -0400

Thar ? blows!

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jun 28 at 2014 7:20 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sat, 28 Jun 2014 19:20:00 -0400

"I like all you Navy guys (and your female ships). Every time we've got some where to go, you guys always give us a ride."

Response by TSgt Scott Hurley made Jun 28 at 2014 8:06 PM

TSgt Scott Hurley — Sat, 28 Jun 2014 20:06:27 -0400

We had this argument in the AF concerning planes. Ships and planes since around WWII and earlier for the Navy, have always been referred to as "SHE." There is an old saying in the military concerning equipment. "Treat it like a lady and it will always bring you home." The PC crowd needs to lighten up. And yes it is confusing when you have ships named after men.

I should also point out that there were even some fellow Female Airmen that agreed with keeping as she.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2014 8:10 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 Jun 2014 20:10:26 -0400

I think we should just call them boats.... ;-)

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2014 8:25 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 Jun 2014 20:25:41 -0400

Avast ye landlubber! Ships have been she's since the first sailor.....avast with ye political correctness and begone!

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jun 28 at 2014 8:31 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Sat, 28 Jun 2014 20:31:45 -0400

I am the King of Political Correctness but I am a Traditionalist and a Romatic. HELL NO! I'm still pissed that the US Navy got rid of the Grog Ration.

Response by SSgt Laura Middleton made Jun 28 at 2014 10:29 PM

SSgt Laura Middleton — Sat, 28 Jun 2014 22:29:42 -0400

Oh good grief!! I've been a female for almost 63 yrs and I HATE politically correct terminology.

I don't mind them being called "she/her". What confuses me and my Navy (now retired) Son couldn't get it in my head as to why some are boats and most are ships. ;-)

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made Jun 29 at 2014 12:44 AM

CMDCM Gene Treants — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 00:44:46 -0400

Admiral Foley said it best and thoroughly. I fully agree that Ships and Submarines are all to be called SHE. They are unpredictable, have breakdowns without cause, take lots of love and care to keep working properly, once you have fallen in love with a ship, you always love HER. Men and women who understand the SEA know that a good ship will protect them like a loving mother or sweetheart. If you treat her like a lady, she responds in the best possible way.

Most important of all She provides all of the comforts of home no matter how far away you roam. Your bed, food, and lifeline is always there for you and you know you can count on her to her dying day!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2014 1:17 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 01:17:10 -0400

Keep it as such, damn the PC BS. When I think of a ship being called 'She', it takes me to this cliche 'hell hath no fury like a woman scorned', may whatever god have mercy on the soul who pisses off an Arleigh-Burke destroyer.

Response by PO3 Mat Dodge made Jun 29 at 2014 3:53 AM

PO3 Mat Dodge — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 03:53:50 -0400

Gotta stick with tradition on this one. I'm tired of this "You might hurt someone's feelings" crap. There's too much of it these days.

Response by CWO3 Alvinice Wesley-MUhammad made Jun 29 at 2014 8:30 AM

CWO3 Alvinice Wesley-MUhammad — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 08:30:14 -0400

If you are going to name them by men's names, why are you calling them "she"?

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Jun 29 at 2014 8:35 AM

CMSgt James Nolan — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 08:35:04 -0400

Hurt feelings cards need to be put away.

Or, while we are at it, we should cancel Christmas-oh wait, we are headed in that direction right now.

So confusing.....

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jun 29 at 2014 8:38 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 08:38:44 -0400

I say we just adopt a singular, non-gender specific pronoun that says, she, he and it all in one - SHIT.

for example:

I love serving aboard the {your ship name here}. Shit is the best ship in the fleet. Shit takes us wherever we want to go. When we have to push it to all ahead full, shit gives us no shit about it.

Response by CMC Robert Young made Jun 29 at 2014 9:12 AM

CMC Robert Young — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 09:12:35 -0400

If you have not served, you don't get a vote. Sorry, but those are the rules.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2014 5:31 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 17:31:21 -0400

They have been referred to as she long before the US Navy and as early as the Phoenician maritime era. It's been adopted by several countries over time and shouldn't change because a handful of people might be offended.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2014 8:53 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 20:53:55 -0400

I vote we start calling them "SHeIt"....it will be fun to say and encompass males, females, and all in between!

On a more serious note: genderafying a ship as "she" is not insensitive based on gender. It is tradition. There is no classifying the ship as female in order to infer a negative undertone on the ship. Further, I woulc contend that most would not find that calling other vessels "he" would redress the issue in any light that would bring negative connotation to the tradition.

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Jun 29 at 2014 8:56 PM

Capt Brandon Charters — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 20:56:12 -0400

Keep the tradition. By the way, cheers to seeing some active Navy discussions lately!

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jun 29 at 2014 9:51 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 21:51:56 -0400

I appreciate your honesty PO2 Katie Benson. I'm curious as to what you might disagree with on this post and with CMC Robert Young's answer, and I mean that respectfully as a former SM. Sometimes a funny comment can be ill spoken or written and I like to learn from my mistakes and also hear everyone's opinion. Thanks.

Response by Cpl Ray Fernandez made Jun 29 at 2014 9:59 PM

Cpl Ray Fernandez — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 21:59:36 -0400

No, people need to stop getting so butt hurt over every little thing. Political correctness will be the end of freedom and thought.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2014 11:24 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 23:24:24 -0400

Politically Correct = *eye roll*

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2014 11:36 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 23:36:35 -0400

Everyone needs to trying to be "PC". Its ridiculous Why are we so worried about offending someone, who cares they’ll get over it. Seriously how could be offended by a ship being named after a girl who cares!! you sound insane get over yourself. Shes probably just mad because shes there no bustle going on about her.

Response by LT Stephen Amiaga made Jun 30 at 2014 7:23 AM

LT Stephen Amiaga — Mon, 30 Jun 2014 07:23:39 -0400

Are you serious?

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2014 10:55 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Jun 2014 10:55:21 -0400

I think it is ridiculous to stop referring to ships as She... People these days are going to extremes over nonsense....

Response by PFC Thomas Graves made Jun 30 at 2014 12:16 PM

PFC Thomas Graves — Mon, 30 Jun 2014 12:16:41 -0400

This is stupid political correctness run amok. That even such a question is posted here shows the degeneration of our culture. I spent most of my life in academia and the people who are so offended by such gender references have no problem saying very bigoted and offensive things about the military, servicemen, barbie dolls, Christians, conservatives, and Republicans.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jun 30 at 2014 4:01 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Mon, 30 Jun 2014 16:01:22 -0400

Just a gentle reminder to all on this post, Its good to have varying opinions and a few laughs but please lets keep the generalizations about how people may or may not feel and group finger pointing out of the discussions. I say this respectfully because this is how the Redskins discussion got real sour, real fast. We have an obligation as SMs and retirees to respect everyone on RP. Thanks.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2014 7:49 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Jun 2014 19:49:11 -0400

I have never been offended by calling a ship a she... Maybe some if the reasons people come up with as to why they are called she, but never in the designation itself. I actually always felt a little honored that given how long females have been descrimated against and excluded from things, a female has always been there in their hearts. I know this may sound corny, or even unsupportive of equality (which trust me I support), but if the ship sank the crew died. They depended on her to bring them home safe. We still are depended upon to take care of people. I just want to be paid the same to do it is all. I would bet anything guns, tanks, and cars might be more likely to be designated as female as well? Why the big deal on ships then? Of all the issues out there this one might be splitting hairs, but I'm also not offended by it.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2014 4:26 AM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 04:26:21 -0400

Is there anything that anyone can say anymore without someone taking offense. Some people have too much time on their hands

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2014 6:24 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Jul 2014 18:24:03 -0400

Don't we have bigger problems than the gender of a ship? (Shake my head) let tradition stand

Response by PFC Mike Lombard made Jul 2 at 2014 1:28 PM

PFC Mike Lombard — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 13:28:33 -0400

OK, People. This is stupid. Check your history. Sailors have always called their vessels she, as they considered their ships as their wives, or mistresses. They loved their vessels, and knew that they had to treat them with love and respect. That's why the figurehead was usually carved in the likeness of a beautiful woman. As man started to travel the world by other means, he continued to name his vessels after women, and for the same reasons. All of this PC bullshit has gotten so far out of hand lately, it's sickening.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jul 2 at 2014 1:49 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 13:49:12 -0400

Another tempest in a teapot. How about we focus on things that really matter?

Response by PO2 Kevin Breen made Jul 2 at 2014 9:16 PM

PO2 Kevin Breen — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 21:16:16 -0400

Get over the Politically Correct BS and carry on with tradition. If a term isn't / wasn't used in a particular context in an offensive manner, then it should be taken at face value and not out of context. Calling a ship 'she' was not intended to be derogatory or offensive - leave it alone.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2014 1:22 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Jul 2014 13:22:49 -0400

That's a ridiculous question. There are some traditions that should never change. It could only be offensive to the MOST ridiculously sensitive tree-huggers. Political Correctness has already gone too far as it is.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2014 1:23 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Jul 2014 13:23:11 -0400

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2014 2:14 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Jul 2014 14:14:42 -0400

To some it may be confusing, but I will always call a ship "she".

Response by SSG Jim Handy made Jul 7 at 2014 11:25 AM

SSG Jim Handy — Mon, 07 Jul 2014 11:25:04 -0400

NO! All this thin-skinned PC crap is destroying our society and our nation. Some people need to stop taking themselves so seriously, develop a sense of humor, and get a life. This crap of some people wanting the whole world change just so their feelings don't get hurt is getting old!

Response by SGT Craig Northacker made Jul 7 at 2014 11:33 AM

SGT Craig Northacker — Mon, 07 Jul 2014 11:33:44 -0400

I am not so sure that changing the gender of a ship after she has nurtured us through storms and hard times is appropriate. I believe the tradition survives in many languages throughout the world. For instance, Mother Russia, Germany The Father Land.

Response by PO3 Peter Potter made Jul 9 at 2014 1:08 PM

PO3 Peter Potter — Wed, 09 Jul 2014 13:08:30 -0400

I can see people wasting time to change this. Here's a thought...if you take Latin or many other languages, the ending assigns gender, even though many times there's not a "politically correct" reason. Then again, if we want to work on political correctness, we might as well forget our purpose all together.

Response by PO3 John Jeter made Jul 13 at 2014 2:57 PM

PO3 John Jeter — Sun, 13 Jul 2014 14:57:05 -0400

I seem to recall that some areas of the world refer to their ships in the masculine. I don't really see any reason for anyone to be offended in either case.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2014 11:19 AM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Jul 2014 11:19:51 -0400

I don't see how one can be offended by this. It's no different than folks who name their cars or boats. I named my car. I'm rather left leaning politically but I think a lot of the political correctness has gone way overboard.

Response by CDR Thomas Gatliffe made Jul 27 at 2014 11:04 PM

CDR Thomas Gatliffe — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 23:04:31 -0400

The Russians refer to their ships as "he" but I'll defer to Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz: "A ship is always referred to as 'she' because it costs so much to keep one in paint and powder." Now that is probably politically incorrect nowadays but TS!

Response by CDR Thomas Gatliffe made Jul 28 at 2014 11:35 AM

CDR Thomas Gatliffe — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 11:35:29 -0400

Having spent many years at sea, standing engineering watches in the pulsing heart of the ship and bridge watches figuratively in the saddle of a warhorse charging through the wake of a typhoon with a "bone in her teeth" (yes, I said 'her"), I can assure you that every ship has a very human personality. When she is 'christened' (just like a human baby) shortly after completing initial construction and fitting out, she begins to assume a personality that is an amalgam of the officers, chiefs, and other crewmen that came together in the pre-commissioning unit and who will go on to take her through her acceptance trials and her "maiden voyage." The personality may change over time with new men (and now women, to the Navy's credit) reporting aboard and others departing, but it is always there and I have found it a most sensible presence during quiet night watches on long Pacific or Atlantic deployment transits. Wives and husbands of those who serve aboard her can sense and sometimes resent the special filial attachment many of us develop with our ships, but it is unthinkable that a ship should ever be referred to as "it", particularly by those who serve aboard her.
From "Table Salt" (USNA Plebe knowledge): "Me mother was a mermaid, me father was King Neptune. I was born on the crest of a wave and rocked in the cradle of the deep. Seaweed and barnacles are me clothes. Every tooth in me head is a marlinspike; the hair on me head is hemp. Every bone in me body is a spar, and when I spits, I spits tar! I'se hard, I is, I am, I are! Sir!" I first learned that 53 years ago and still remember it. Not bad for a former Missouri farm boy who went to off sea.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2014 9:34 PM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Aug 2014 21:34:10 -0400

"Unknowingly offensive" to refer to a ship as the fairer sex? That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard. But silly me....this *is* the United States.....SOMEbody SOMEwhere will manufacture a way to be offended by this. Sheesh.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2014 11:19 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Aug 2014 23:19:42 -0400

I feel like it's not meant to be offensive. More like a term of affection, or familiarity as said above. Example: I refer to my vehicle as a 'he' or 'fonzi' ... people just need to relax and not be so sensitive.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2014 5:22 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Aug 2014 17:22:02 -0400

Personally Sir this doesn't bother me at all. I always saw it as tradition and just went with the flow. However, I do understand that it may offend some people but at the same time I think that we can only be so politically correct until we are just being overly sensitive as a society and I think that we are reaching that point if we haven't crossed it yet.

Response by FN Mike McCormack made Aug 28 at 2014 7:25 PM

FN Mike McCormack — Thu, 28 Aug 2014 19:25:24 -0400

Sorry...Connie is my girl!

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Aug 29 at 2014 1:20 AM

Sgt Packy Flickinger — Fri, 29 Aug 2014 01:20:14 -0400

If you look underneath, all ships have one thing in common. I think that makes them a "HE" :)

Response by PO2 Mark Saffell made Mar 30 at 2015 12:13 PM

PO2 Mark Saffell — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 12:13:55 -0400

I'm Navy and we don't mess with tradition just to be politically correct. It's bad enough they have messed with The Crossing the Line Ceromony. We are allowing anyone to change this tradition just to be political correct. Sorry!!

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Mar 30 at 2015 12:18 PM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 12:18:45 -0400

Why would calling a big old gray thing "she" be offensive?

Response by PO2 Robert Moore made Feb 8 at 2017 8:00 AM

PO2 Robert Moore — Wed, 08 Feb 2017 08:00:07 -0500

referencing a vessel as she. Been going on for millennia. Now it "bothers" some folk. Must have run out of things to complain about. LOL.
I call my truck a "she". I love my truck. My wife is not bothered, jealous or even offended by it.
So let's counter......should we start referring to vessels, rifles and vehicles as "He"? If someone can state a valid reason, I might go along with it. But.....validity is lost in most arguments these days. Tends toward the "bigger mob" rule. Usually led by, and membered by.....excuse me for a second..... (aehuumm) Morons with no reals sense of purpose.
I stole this excerpt from a Wikipedia input.
"Reference to a ship as "She" is a personification of an object, not an objectification of women. It is one used in reverence, for example as in "Mother-ship" exemplifying the nurturing role of a ship to the safety of its crew. It bestows an empowering rather than derogatory idea of femininity to counterbalance what was traditionally masculine world. Like in all things balance is required."
I find it extremely offensive, that many of my fellow Americans, are so offended by historical and seemingly benign characterizations.....some that are meant for expressing honor or love....and they being turned into demagoguery and hateful discourse....to further someone's agenda to drive hatred towards another group. OK....maybe I'll step on the land mine. But here goes. I'm tough.
Though I am an ardent supporter of equal rights for all, and to include women and equal pay and all of that. I am suspicious of these commentaries as just attacks from folks like man hating feminists who would rather that women rule over men with an iron fist.....and their idiotic male supporters who aren't smart enough to see that the bandwagon they jumped on is a meat slaughter house.
How's that for offense??
Fair winds and following seas, folks. Me and Betsy must head off to earn our pay now.
LMAO

Response by LT John Stevens made Feb 8 at 2017 3:43 PM

LT John Stevens — Wed, 08 Feb 2017 15:43:45 -0500

There is no good reason to employ politically correct language to assuage the angst of a small number of radical feminists. As far as I know, the majority of female military personnel have opposed politically driven changes to traditions regarding the use of terms, names, and language. In many contexts, the use of gender pronouns is intended to be inclusive of both and used to avoid difficult constructs in language use such as "he/she" or "he or she." The use of such language is not intended to offend and no offense should be read into such use of language.

Response by PO2 Morgan Campbell made Feb 9 at 2017 4:01 AM

PO2 Morgan Campbell — Thu, 09 Feb 2017 04:01:00 -0500

I say no change but they killed just about every other Navy tradition so it would not surprise me

Response by PO1 Joshua Brown made Feb 13 at 2017 9:54 AM

PO1 Joshua Brown — Mon, 13 Feb 2017 09:54:09 -0500

I always thought it was to recognize the commissioner who breaks the bottle of champagne on the keel. And to bare witness to the strength of the ship, referring to it as "she" is to believe and honor it as the spirit of success.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2017 8:54 AM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Feb 2017 08:54:59 -0500

No way can we at least preserve some tradition and not change everything in the world because some Snowflake gets upset or thinks they do.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2017 8:56 AM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Feb 2017 08:56:34 -0500

No leave it alone. Too damn much political correctness already.

Response by TSgt Kenneth Ellis made Feb 28 at 2017 11:05 AM

TSgt Kenneth Ellis — Tue, 28 Feb 2017 11:05:18 -0500

Not use no Hell no.

Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Feb 28 at 2017 3:30 PM

SFC Jim Ruether — Tue, 28 Feb 2017 15:30:27 -0500

My uncle was in the Navy and he said they always referred to ships in the female gender as she or her because when they said she needs to be in this location at a certain time she was right on time or a little early....if you named the ship after a guy he'd be late every time!

Response by PO2 Rev. Frederick C. Mullis, AFI, CFM made Feb 28 at 2017 3:53 PM

PO2 Rev. Frederick C. Mullis, AFI, CFM — Tue, 28 Feb 2017 15:53:35 -0500

With all due respect to the Major, and I understand the reason behind the question, if it was to stirr up some discussion. There is always two sides to a Coin, BUT NOT THIS ONE! This question is a Land Mine just like Any question about Vietnam. Unless you were over there, You have no room to talk. Unless you have served on a Lady, your vote does not count and your opinion does not matter. You will notice that I did not specify you had to be NAVY either. Back in the day there were quite a few Marines that served aboard all sorts of ships not just Gators. I have seen Army Helo pilots and Air Force Pilots serving with Navy Squadrons on Gators and Carriers, so they will also understand. As Command Master Chief Treants so eloquently put it, Serving aboard the big grey Lady is more than an experience. especially when she takes you to war and brings you home safe. you feel her living beneath your feet, the vibrations of the screws cutting through the water is her heart beat, the hum of the electricity running though the thousands of miles of cable is her blood coarsing through her artery's and veins and the wind across her decks whistling through the rigging and lifelines is her breath. After a while on board you get to "KNOW" her feeling and you can tell when something is wrong. whether you pick up speed or slow. The "Feeling" between a Nuke and an Oil Burner is as different as night and day just like the attitudes between a Redhead and a Blonde or a Brunette will be different. You cannot treat an Oil Burner like a Nuke just like you cannot treat a Redhead like a Blonde. the Redhead will chew you up and spit you out! Same goes, You cannot blow down the Stacks on a Nuke... You learn them from the bilges to the top of their masts from the bull nose to the fantail. You treat them right, you love them, and you never forget them. Your first Ship just like your first Love will be forever ingrained in your heart and soul no matter what. On December 1st in 2012 more than 100,000 former crew of "The LEGEND", USS Enterprise, came home one last time to join her current crew to inactivate her. Men and women who for 52 years served aboard her, and Shipyard workers who built her and took care of her. Men who fought in every major conflict America was involved in from the Cuban Missile Crisis to the Sand Box. Men who fought to keep the Enterprise afloat on 14 January 69 when she caught fire. Men and Women who were willing and did walk through HELL were openly crying because the Ship that they loved was going to be inactivated, decommissioned and then scrapped like her Namesake.

No, We will never stop referring to Naval Vessels as SHE. As long as there are Decks on Ships and Men and Women stand on those decks and those ships put out to Sea and go in Harms Way, Ships WILL be called She, and no proclamation, declaration or Notams from the Pentagon or NavComPoop will ever change it. PC be dammed, Full Speed Ahead!

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2017 11:17 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Feb 2017 23:17:50 -0500

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2017 1:45 AM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 01:45:40 -0500

Every ship I have ever served aboard identified as an inanimate complex machine brought to life by the crew serving aboard.
From Wikipedia regarding ships being referred to as female:
This old tradition is thought to stem from the fact that in the Romance languages, the word for "ship" is always in the feminine. For this reason, Mediterranean sailors always referred to their ship as "she", and the practice was adopted over the centuries by their English-speaking counterparts.

Response by PO1 Michael Podgorski made Mar 1 at 2017 9:09 AM

PO1 Michael Podgorski — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 09:09:55 -0500

The coffee cup I've used for 23 years was bought at the HMS Victory. It has the ship on one side and this poem on the other.
Why is a Ship Called She?
A ship is called a 'she' because there is always a great deal of bustle around her;
there is usually a gang of men about, she has a waist and stays;
it takes a bit of paint to keep her good looking;
it is not the initial expense that breaks you, it is the upkeep;
she can be all decked out;
it takes an experience man to handle her correctly;
and without a man at the helm she is absolutely uncontrollable.
She shows her topsides, hides her bottom and, when coming into port, always heads for the buoys...

Response by PO1 Michael Podgorski made Mar 1 at 2017 9:15 AM

PO1 Michael Podgorski — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 09:15:55 -0500

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2017 7:43 PM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 02 Mar 2017 19:43:17 -0500

People who get offended by referring to a naval vessel as "she" are snowflakes.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Mar 3 at 2017 2:43 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Fri, 03 Mar 2017 14:43:13 -0500

I'm going to double-dip on this one. I responded a long time ago, but just noticed that someone voted down the original post. Really?

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Mar 3 at 2017 4:36 PM

CSM Richard StCyr — Fri, 03 Mar 2017 16:36:14 -0500

I think we should refer to them as Bobs..... Big ol' boats

Response by PO3 Jeffrey Franklin Cochran made Jul 11 at 2017 9:14 PM

PO3 Jeffrey Franklin Cochran — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 21:14:24 -0400

No matter the name she's a she for me it's not something ya can really put into words that it's something one has to experience living upon the sea onboard a sea going vessel...she's your home, she keeps ya safe so long as she is sailed well, taken care of the same she'll take care of her crew...ya can't neglect her she'll make ya pay and dearly... love her and she'll love ya back... take ya from your home upon the land show the wonders of the sea and other lands across the Mother of us all Earth.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jul 2 at 2018 10:34 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 22:34:25 -0400

That's the USN problem, not ours.