PT boat
Fast attack vessel
A PT boat is a small, fast naval vessel used for torpedo attacks, patrol, and coastal defense.
The initials stand for "patrol torpedo." PT boats saw extensive action in World War II, particularly in the Pacific theater.
John F.
Kennedy famously commanded PT-109 before entering politics.
- HigginsIrish-origin family name
- Pacific TheaterWWII Asian-oceanic front
- GuadalcanalMelanesian island, fierce 1942 fighting
- Solomon IslandsOceanian archipelago nation
Aleutian Islands · squadron · MacArthur · naval history · veteran · war hero · island hopping · combat patrol
Aerial gunfire at ground
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
- night attackOffensive launched in darkness
- engagementCommitment to wed or attend
- skirmishBrief, limited combat
gunfire · depth charge · minefield · hit-and-run · interception · evasion · screening · picket duty
Secured loops in rope
- throttlePower flow controller
- horsepowerRate of mechanical work
- maneuverabilityEase of controlled movement
- accelerationRate velocity changes
wake · agility · nimble · swift · full speed · flank speed · pursuit · escape
Underwater vessel weapon port
- machine gunContinuous-fire arm
- cannonLarge mounted gun
- smoke screenDeceptive concealment tactic
- warheadMunition's explosive section
ammunition · ordnance · gun mount · turret · launcher · salvo · reload · armament
Information-gathering before action
- surveillanceSystematic observation of subjects
- coastal defenseSafeguarding land from sea-based threats
- picketPointed fence stake
- scoutingObserving to gather information
lookout · observation · night watch · search · rescue · interdiction · blockade · forward base
Reddish-brown tropical lumber
- hydroplaneSkid on standing water
- superchargedForcibly increased in power
- helmVessel's steering mechanism
- cockpitPilot's control compartment
deck · bow · stern · fuel tank · propeller · shaft · rudder · displacement
John F. Kennedy
- HigginsIrish-origin family name
- Pacific TheaterWWII Asian-oceanic front
- GuadalcanalMelanesian island, fierce 1942 fighting
Solomon Islands · Aleutian Islands · squadron · MacArthur · naval history · veteran · war hero · island hopping · combat patrol
strafing
Aerial gunfire at ground
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
- night attackOffensive launched in darkness
- engagementCommitment to wed or attend
skirmish · gunfire · depth charge · minefield · hit-and-run · interception · evasion · screening · picket duty · flare
knots
Secured loops in rope
- throttlePower flow controller
- horsepowerRate of mechanical work
- maneuverabilityEase of controlled movement
acceleration · wake · agility · nimble · swift · full speed · flank speed · pursuit · escape · outrun
torpedo tube
Underwater vessel weapon port
- machine gunContinuous-fire arm
- cannonLarge mounted gun
- smoke screenDeceptive concealment tactic
warhead · ammunition · ordnance · gun mount · turret · launcher · salvo · reload · armament · weaponry
reconnaissance
Information-gathering before action
- surveillanceSystematic observation of subjects
- coastal defenseSafeguarding land from sea-based threats
- picketPointed fence stake
scouting · lookout · observation · night watch · search · rescue · interdiction · blockade · forward base · tender
mahogany
Reddish-brown tropical lumber
- hydroplaneSkid on standing water
- superchargedForcibly increased in power
- helmVessel's steering mechanism
cockpit · deck · bow · stern · fuel tank · propeller · shaft · rudder · displacement · length
- boatsship, canoe, kayak, yacht, ferry
- Navyadmiral, battleship, destroyer, aircraft carrier, cruiser
- naval termsadmiral, navy, battleship, carrier, submarine
- Navy Shipsdestroyer, cruiser, battleship, submarine, frigate
- warshipsbattleship, turret, frigates, battleships, destroyers
- WWII Navalbattleship, submarine, aircraft carrier, destroyer, cruiser
PT boatbattleship
Armored naval capital vessel
aircraft carrier · dreadnought · capital ship · super-dreadnought · Yamato