by M L Maki
XO: Executive officer. Second in charge of a vessel or unit. Actual rank varies based on the size of the unit. A patrol craft or air squadron XO could be a Lieutenant. On a super carrier the XO is generally a Captain.
X-Ray: Material condition X-Ray. Lowest level of water tight integrity. Only set during a work day in port.
Yoke: Material condition Yoke. Middle level of water tight integrity between X-ray (in port on work day) and Zebra (Battle Stations). At sea yoke is checked at least daily.
Zebra: Material condition Zebra. Highest level of water tight integrity.
THE AUTHORS
MM1 Maki is a retired US Navy nuclear field machinist mate with twenty years of active service, who served on the USS Carl Vinson, CVN-70, and two cruisers. During twelve years of duty at sea, MM1 Maki circumnavigated the earth once, transited the Panama Canal three times, served on the USS Carl Vinson during Enduring Freedom, and earned multiple campaign awards.
Sofia R. Maki has a background in criminal justice and accounting.
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