action stations

plural noun

military the positions taken up by individuals in preparation for or during a battle

The mob behind me broke up, talking, as men under long habit ran for action stations.

At five minutes to four tea was served in the gun-room, and, twenty minutes later, Action Stations were taken up again.

The notes of the call to action stations were still screaming through the ship.

He turned and dived at half-speed towards them, calling his crew to "action stations" at once.

The submarine first concentrated her fire on the Nelson, which immediately slipped her trawl and went to action stations.

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