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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.


Example Sentences

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

From The Verge Aug. 25, 2022

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

From Fox News Sep. 22, 2018

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

From New York Times Jul. 18, 2017

“We were called to general quarters because we had no idea what was happening. We just got this bulletin from then-Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara. We were off the coast of southern California,” Johnson said.

From Washington Times Oct. 2, 2016

They were now becoming somewhat familiar with the gun exercise, and in the evolutions that are usually taught sailors at general quarters.

From Memoirs of Service Afloat, During the War Between the States by Semmes, Raphael

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