What is a Navy Barracks Called: A Comprehensive Guide
When it comes to the accommodation provided to naval personnel, the terminology can be a bit confusing. Whether you're on a ship or a shore station, the living quarters have different names depending on the context. Understanding these terms is essential for any naval enthusiast or someone looking to enter the military. In this article, we'll explore the various names and meanings associated with different types of naval accommodations.
General Terminology for Navy Barracks
The term barracks is the most commonly used general term to refer to the living quarters for enlisted personnel. This term is not specific to the navy and is used in other branches of the military as well. Barracks refers to a large building or group of buildings where soldiers reside and can often be part of a larger facility, such as the well-known Schofield Barracks in Hawaii or the Eighth and I in Washington D.C.
Historical Changes in Terminology
The terminology used for these living quarters has evolved over time. Initially, the terms Bachelor’s Enlisted Quarters (BEQ) and Bachelor’s Officer Quarters (BOQ) were widely used. However, during Admiral ’s time, there was a push for gender-neutral language, leading to the introduction of Unaccompanied Enlisted Personnel Housing (UEPH) and Unaccompanied Officer Personnel Housing (UOPH).
Despite these changes, many naval personnel still prefer to use the older terms BEQ/BOQ or simply barracks. The newer terms UEPH/UOPH are less commonly used and might be considered more formal or administrative in nature. For example, as a sailor at the Brooklyn Naval Yard, my living space was a part of a larger building owned by customs. Despite the potential for confusion, the terminology remains a matter of use and preference among the crew.
On Board Ship Accommodations
When on board a ship, the sleeping area is referred to as a coop. This term stems from the close living quarters and the somewhat confined nature of the spaces, which resemble a bird coop. On shore stations, however, the term barracks is still the commonly used term, just as it is in other branches of the military.
Specific Examples of Navy Barracks
Here are a few examples of specific Navy barracks:
US Navy Barracks Barges: Located in various navy yards, these are temporary structures used to house sailors during repair periods or maintenance. NAS Pensacola Barracks: Part of the Naval Air Station Pensacola, these are the living quarters for sailors stationed there. US Navy Recruit Training Barracks - Great Lakes: This is the main recruit training facility for the US Navy, located in Chicago, Illinois, where sailors undergo their initial training.Conclusion
When discussing naval accommodations, it's important to be aware of the specific terminology used. Barracks is the general term for living quarters on a shore station, while on board a ship, the sleeping areas are referred to as coops. The term BERthing is used for the space where enlisted personnel sleep, and for officers, it's a stateroom. Different names and terms are used based on the context, and it's crucial for anyone in the naval service to be familiar with these terms to effectively navigate their living and working environments.