[X] My Assistant

[dvandorn]

I've noted that two Navy CDRs on Apollo flights (Conrad and Young) both used the word "started" when context would indicate they meant "targeted." Conrad says it when he spots Surveyor Crater during final descent ("It's started right for the center of the crater!") and Young uses it when praising the targeting after his landing ("You guys just started us right in there.").

I bet we have a few ex-Navy types out there. Any of you have a clue as to whether "started" in Navy terms means "targeted"?

-the other Doug

[nprev]

....Ahrrrrrr....

Seriously, though, there does seem to be a significant amount of wet Navy terminology creeping into MSF, which is not only a result of the backgrounds of many US astronauts but also due to the nature of the environment. Notice the fact that during STS-120 the ISS crew announced Discovery's departure in traditional naval style, with a bell & announcement.

Not a bad thing at all...it's a noble and very ancient set of traditions (bet if anyone looked hard enough they'd find connections clear back to the Phoenicians) that helps us keep a familiar frame of reference in an otherwise utterly unfamiliar place.

Sail on, me hearties, sail on...sail on forever, till we've seen the last star, the last world...

[dvandorn]

...Notice the fact that during STS-120 the ISS crew announced Discovery's departure in traditional naval style, with a bell & announcement.

This, along with many other ISS traditions (including its informal radio callsign, Alpha) was established more than seven years ago by the first expedition crew, commanded by Bill Shepherd.

Shepherd was USN, of course. An ex-Seal, to be specific. But it was Shepherd who brought the ship's bell to ISS, and who instituted the "ringing in" of all new and visiting crew.

-the other Doug