Why We Call a Ship a She
By Rear Admiral Francis D. Foley, U.S. Navy (Retired)
A salty retired U.S. Navy flag officer shuns the current trend toward polical correctness. Ships are referred to as
"she" because men love them, but this encompasses far more than just
that. Man-o'-war or merchantman, there can be a great deal of bustle about her
as well as a gang of men on deck, particularly if she is slim-waisted, well-stacked, and has an inviting superstructure.
It is not so much her initial cost as it is her upkeep that makes you wonder
where you founder.
She is greatly admired when freshly painted and all decked out to emphasize her
cardinal points. If an aircraft carrier, she will look in a mirror when about
to be arrested, and will wave you off if she feels you are sinking too low or a
little too high, day or night. She will not hangar around with duds, but will
light you off and launch you into the wild blue yonder when you muster a full
head of steam.
Even a submarine reveals her topsides returning to port, heads straight for the
buoys, knows her pier, and gets her breast-lines out promptly if she is
single-screwed. On departure, no ship leaves port asleep, she always leaves
awake. She may not mind her helm or answer to the old man when the going gets
rough, and can be expected to kick up her heels on a family squall. A ship
costs a lot to dress, sometimes blows a bit of smoke, and requires periodic
overhauls to extend her useful life.
Some have a cute fantail, others are heavy in the stern, but all have
double-bottoms which demand attention. When meeting head-on, sound a
recognition signal; whistle! If she does not answer up, come about and start laying alongside, but watch to see if her ship is slowing .
. . perhaps her slip is showing? Then proceed with caution until danger of
collision is over and you can fathom how much latitude she will allow.
If she does not remain on an even keel, let things ride, feel your way, and do
not cross the line until you determine weather the "do" point is
right for a prolonged blast. Get the feel of the helm, stay on the right tact,
keep her so, and she will pay off handsomely. If she is in the roaring forties,
however, you may be in the dangerous semi-circle, so do not expect much "luff," especially under bare poles. She may think you
are not under command or control and shove off.
If she edges aweigh, keep her steady as she goes, but do not sink into the
doldrums. Just remember that "to furnish a ship requireth
much trouble, but to furnish a woman the cost is double!" To the women who
now help us "man" our ships, my apologies for the foregoing. Only the
opening phrase presents my true feelings. After all, a ship's bell(e) will always remain her most prized possession, and
every good ship has a heart, just like yours.
A trick at the wheel, like you, would have been welcome aboard when I was on
"she" duty for 40 years. May God bless you all, sweetheart!
Admiral Foley is a long-time contributor to Naval History and the U.S.
Naval Institute Proceedings. He lives in
Good Point! At Naval History's editorial offices, in the presence
of the author, the editor reacted to the above with a resounding: "Most of
our readers will love it; the women will hate it!" Coincidentally, the
U.S. Naval Institute's chief financial officer, obviously sensitive to such
statements, overheard and inquired: "The women will hate what?" She
then heard of plans to publish "Why We Call a Ship a She." Unaware of
the author's presence, she asked: "If they call ships she, then why do
they name them Arleigh Burke?" To that, Admiral
Foley responded, "Good point!"