Callsigns are a unique fixture of the aviation community. They are awarded to pilots and naval flight officers for a variety of reasons. Sometimes they are cool and Top Gun-esque, but they also can be irreverent or insulting. Here is a list of 11 callsigns of naval aviation and the stories behind them.
1. Trash
As uncomplimentary as this callsign is, the story behind it is probably even less flattering. This young aviator had a bit too much to drink in his first liberty port call in France. This was forgivable, but what stuck with him, courtesy of his fellow aviators, was that he drunkenly fell into a set of garbage cans. This earned him his permanent callsign.
2. Snake
Often, a callsign is more of an insult or a criticism than anything else. This officer earned the callsign “Snake” because he developed a reputation within his squadron for being sneaky.
3. Mooch
This aviator earned his callsign during his first tour. By his own admission, he reported to his ship woefully unprepared, and as a result had to resort to borrowing a number of important items from his fellow officers, which he eventually became known for.
4. Darth
Sometimes an aviator seems made for their callsign, in the case of “Darth,” his personality made that clear. In the words of one of his colleagues, he had an ominous, even nefarious presence, and his fellow pilots made sure that his callsign reflected that.
5. Taco
This callsign is not a unique one. “Taco” is a common nickname for anyone who’s last name is Bell. Sometimes the aviation community throws creativity to the wind.
6. Soup
This callsign has a similar origin as “Taco.” It is reserved for any aviator whose last name is Campbell. (The aviators love their food jokes.)
7. Squirt
Some callsigns are based purely on physical traits. “Squirt” was a short guy, and his squadron mates never let him forget it.
8. Flea
See No.7
9. Smoke
This is certainly a unique one. “Smoke” earned his nickname during a training evolution with the Air Force. During this exercise, he accidentally shot down an Air Force fighter. This stayed with him for his career.
10. Stain
Unsurprisingly, a community of young aviators can come up with some callsigns that are on the more vulgar side. “Stain” obtained his name when he accidentally relived himself in his flight gear.
11. Skids
See No. 10.
12. Bad Dog
This callsign also has an unsavory story behind it, related to numbers 10 and 11. On her first solo flight, a Marine Corps pilot relieved herself at the controls, and was awarded this flippant nickname as a result.
