Why do they call Navy engineers Snipes?
“Without the engines, a steam ship doesn’t move,” explained Riley. “Snipes again demanded equal portions and rights or the engines would stay off. Other ships heard about it and they started doing the same, and it sparked a wave until they did get fair treatment. They became known as ‘Snipes’ Men.
What does snipe mean in Navy?
“Snipe” in the Navy is a generic term for all those (enlisted men) who served below in the engine rooms or fire rooms; we were also called the “black gang.” I joined the Navy at 18, was trained to be a Motor Machinist Mate (MoMM2/c), and served aboard the Newcomb from commissioning to decommissioning.
What is a pit snipe?
Known throughout the fleet as “Pit Snipes,” engineers work long hours in the main machinery room, engine room, or “The Pit” as the “Snipes” affectionately call it. It is the world of the Navy machinist’s mates, the hard working Sailors who ensure ships have the power to move.
What is top snipe?
A more precise definition of the term is a sequence of jobs that en- hance a sailor’s technical ability to perform the work specific to his or her rating. Thus, the optimal career path focuses primarily on getting a sailor to become a technical expert by the time he or she becomes a CSMM/Top Snipe.
What does Snipes stand for?
1 or plural snipe : any of various usually slender-billed birds of the sandpiper family especially : any of several game birds (especially genus Gallinago) especially of marshy areas. 2 : a contemptible person. snipe. verb. sniped; sniping.
What is a fresh air snipe?
Members are known as “A-Gangers.” Also called “Fresh Air Snipe.” Ahead Flank Liberty: The fictitious speed at which a ship travels after a mission or patrol is completed with high marks and the ship is headed into very nice foreign ports that cater to visiting US Forces.
Where are Snipes found?
Snipes can be found in various types of wet marshy settings including bogs, swamps, wet meadows, and along rivers, coast lines, and ponds. Snipes avoid settling in areas with dense vegetation, but rather seek marshy areas with patchy cover to hide from predators.
What is the use of Snipes?
verb (used without object), sniped, snip·ing. to shoot or hunt snipe. to shoot at individuals as opportunity offers from a concealed or distant position: The enemy was sniping from the roofs. to attack a person or a person’s work with petulant or snide criticism, especially anonymously or from a safe distance.
What is the meaning of the word snipe?
1. 2. 1. 2. 3. 1. criticize, knock (informal), put down, carp, bitch, have a go (at) (informal), jeer, denigrate, disparage, flame (informal) She kept sniping at her husband all through dinner. 2. shoot at, open fire on, hit at, blast at (slang) Gunmen have reportedly sniped at army positions. to shoot at (someone) from a hidden position.
How did Snipes change the way the Navy worked?
To make a long story short, Snipes brought about the changes in the system. In time these changes extended to the entire Naval fleet. The Engineers became strictly “hands off” for the Deck gang. They became known as Snipe’s men and over the years as just Snipes.
How did John Snipes become a legend in engineering?
They became known as ‘Snipes’ Men.’ So all engineers are known as Snipes’ Men, and, over the years, it’s turned into ‘Snipes.'” According to Riley, John Snipes has become a legend in the engineering community as the man who fought for equality.
Which is the best definition of a sniper?
n. 1. pl. snipe or snipes Any of various long-billed shorebirds of the family Scolopacidae, especially the widely distributed species Gallinago gallinago. 2. A shot, especially a gunshot, from a concealed place. 1. To shoot at individuals from a concealed place. 2. To shoot snipe. 3. To make malicious, underhand remarks or attacks.
