NATO Code Words - ASW

Question 1

BACK STOP

Answer 1

Unit stationed between the contact and the protected force.

Question 2

BASSET

Answer 2

Rocket thrown torpedo.

Question 3

BARRIER

Answer 3

Set up barrier as indicated (e.g. sonobuoy axis
position).

Question 4

BLOODHOUND

Answer 4

ASW torpedo with omni-directional search pattern.

Question 5

BLOODHOUND LOOSE

Answer 5

ASW torpedo with omni-directional search pattern has been released.

Question 6

BROTHER

Answer 6

Attacking ship of an ASW - unit

Question 7

CADDILAC

Answer 7

Directional active sonobuoy

Question 8

CAKE

Answer 8

ASW weapon state report.

Question 9

CERTSUB

Answer 9

Contact classified as certain submarine.

Question 10

COLD

Answer 10

I have lost sonar contact or sonar contact is not held.

Question 11

CONDITION HAIRY

Answer 11

All units may be required to prosecute an unidentified submarine contact

Question 12

COWBOY(S)

Answer 12

Ship(s) of search attack unit (SAU)

Question 13

CRACKERS

Answer 13

Sound Underwater Signal (SUS) or Practice Depth Charge (PDC) explosives.

Question 14

DATUM

Answer 14

Last known position of a submarine or a suspected submarine after contact has been lost.

Question 15

DEMONS

Answer 15

Depth in metres.

Question 16

DEVILS

Answer 16

vSubmarine depth in tens of ft.

Question 17

DIP

Answer 17

Conduct search with helicopter sonar (may be followed by transducer depth in ft).

Question 18

DIPPER

Answer 18

An ASW helicopter capable of conducting both sonar search and attack.

Question 19

DOG BOX

Answer 19

Area within which units may interfere with ASW torpedoes.

Question 20

FANFARE

Answer 20

Towed anti-acoustic torpedo noisemaker which can be switched on/off while streamed.

Question 21

GERTRUDE

Answer 21

Underwater telephone equipment.

Question 22

GOBLIN

Answer 22

Submerged object detected.

Question 23

HOOKER

Answer 23

Fishing or other small craft.

Question 24

HOT

Answer 24

Sonar contact is held.

Question 25

MARRY

Answer 25

Assisting ship may attack in concert with attacking ship as opportunity offers.

Question 26

NONSUB

Answer 26

Contact is classified non submarine.

Question 27

PONY

Answer 27

ASW weapon carrying helicopter.

Question 28

POPCORN

Answer 28

Hull popping noises indicating that a submarine is changing depth.

Question 29

POSSUB

Answer 29

Contact classified as possible submarine.

Question 30

PROBSUB

Answer 30

Contact classified as probable submarine.

Question 31

RISER

Answer 31

A radar contact which has suddenly appeared.

Question 32

SELFTACK

Answer 32

An attack conducted by a dipping helicopter on its own target after the helicopter has broken DIP.

Question 33

INFOTAC

Answer 33

A type of vectored attack, used when the directing unit broadcasts sonar contact information and the attacking aircraft must solve his own fire control solution.

Question 34

SNORT

Answer 34

Visually sighted submarine snorkel.

Question 35

SPIT(TING)

Answer 35

Lay/launch(ing) buoys.

Question 36

STOVEPIPE

Answer 36

A predesignated area in which a designated submarine may operate and other submarines are to keep clear.

Question 37

VECTAC

Answer 37

Vectored attack

Type may be specified as RADAR, VISUAL - or REVERSE VECTAC