general quarters

American  

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. a condition of readiness for combat on a warship, during which crew members remain at their battle stations and have guns and ammunition ready for immediate loading.

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Example Sentences

After midnight on my second voyage, I was asleep when the alarm for general quarters woke me.

From The Verge

We’ve sounded the alarm for general quarters.

From The Verge

Bob Hill was laying in his rack when he heard general quarters sound, sending the crew to their battle stations.

From Fox News

“At general quarters, you had to have your life vest. They had regular small boats picking you up.”

From New York Times

When general quarters sounded, they dropped their cornets and clarinets and hurried to the ammunition hoists beneath the forward turrets, where they handled the heavy powder bags for the ship’s 14-inch guns.

From The Wall Street Journal