Cutlass? A short saber with a cut and thrust blade and a large hand guard. The word "cutlass" is derived from the term "curtal axe", an ancient heavy, but short weapon. The cutlass was used in ship-to-ship melee, in boarding parties and to repel boarders. The crews of the Spanish American War period were drilled in cutlass exercises, known as "single stick" drill. The cutlass was Issued to enlisted men as a sidearm and maintained in ships armories until the beginning of W.W.II. The weapons was officially declared obsolete in 1949. The Cutlass was considered an organizational issue item, but was never considered to be a part of the enlisted uniform.
The only place I ever saw them used, other then on a Trophy Board, was in Boot Camp. The RCPO carried one and used it for Drill purposes. At least I think it was a Cutlass
Originally posted by RiverRat139: At least I think it was a Cutlass
Yes I remember it as that also. When I was in boot camp at NTC San Diego the summer of 69, I remember seeing a CPO CC walking across the grinder and the NTC CDR’s vehicle was approaching. He rendered honors with it by presenting arms with it as the vehicle got to within hand salute distance.
Also, remember that scene it "The Sand Pebbles" where CBM Franks is using one, a Cutlass it his right hand and a M1911 in his left. MM1 Jake Holman uses the steam hose in a repel boarders exercise on the starboard side of the U.S.S. San Pablo.
There was also a navy submarine named USS Cutlass SS 478. I served aboard it for a few months around 1968 but failed to qualify. I think it was named after a small fish (like most submarines) instead of the weapon but I'm not sure of that. Maybe some other readers remember the origin of her name. She was one of the old diesel boats and was a few years from decommissioning when I served on her.
I also recall a couple of years ago the idea of making the cutlass a uniform item for Chiefs was floated. Haven't heard anything lately, kinda hoping the idea died.
Last thing I (or probably any other Chief) needed was an item that would only be used rarely if at all, and then only by folks in certain billets.
8983785 Basic Training Posted Wed 03 September 2008 04:36 PM Hide Post There was also a navy submarine named USS Cutlass SS 478. I served aboard it for a few months around 1968 but failed to qualify. I think it was named after a small fish (like most submarines) instead of the weapon but I'm not sure of that. Maybe some other readers remember the origin of her name. She was one of the old diesel boats and was a few years from decommissioning when I served on her. Posts: 1 | Registered: Thu 20 July 2006
All US Navy subs except for the original 41 for Freedom were named for Fish with the exception of the USS Liscomb until Adm, Rickover decided to name them after cities with the LA class and States for the Trident Class boats with his infamous and hated by many in the Subforce speech "Fish don't vote.". Damn shame that Rickover did this. Sure I'm glad that there's a boat named after my State USS New Hampshire but damn it Subs are predators and should bear a predators name.
