What is 1 SQ

1SQ means battle stations

4SQ means sure from battle stations

Every Ship and Submarine in the US Navy operates under 5 conditions of readiness. Condition V is "In-Port Routine", some command CO's Standing Orders simply refer to this as In Port Routine rather than Condition V. Condition IV is "Peacetime Cruising". There are also sub conditions for Condition IV, like Restricted Maneuvering, limited visibility. Condition III is "Wartime Cruising" but in some cases can be used in peacetime, some Standing Orders associate Restricted Maneuvering and Limited Visibility with Condition III. Condition II is rarely used, except on Carriers when in extended Wartime Conditions, an example is steaming through the Straights of Hormuz. During that kind of situation Condition II is considered a relaxed Condition I. Condition I is General Quarters. There are many sub conditions. Missile Subs have Condition I SQ, which is Strategic Missile Launch. It varies type to type. DDGs and CGs for instance have Condition 1S or Condition 1 Strike. There can also be Condition III Strike. Condition 1 Surface Attack, and on on depending on the type, environment and Command.

You're taking a dump and they call GQ do you pinch it off or finish your business?

In addition to Dubya's excellent answer, the Condition I-V is also a measure of the manning condition on the vessel.

Battlestations (Condition I) Everyone is at their posts.

Condition II, you are on a Port and starboard watch rotation, Half the crew is on watch while the other half rests/works.

Condition III (Wartime Steaming) the crew is using a three shift rotation. 1/3 of the crew is on at all times.

Condition III is the norm from the moment we leave port. Condition IV (Peacetime steaming) is almost never used.

Condition V (inport), the crew works all day as a regular job, but after hours is a five section rotation. You stay aboard when your section is on duty, everyone else can leave the ship until work starts the next morning.



I joined the Navy to see the world, only to discover the world is 2/3 water!