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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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See Examples For:

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

The call sounded from stem to stern, and instantly the alarm to general quarters was sounded while the helm was thrown hard over.

From Our Navy in the War by Lawrence Perry

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