In the passageways of aircraft carriers, on the flight lines of naval air stations, and in the smoky bars from Olongapo to Oceana, you'll hear it. It might be a quiet murmur of understanding between two old salts or a proud declaration on the back of a t-shirt. It’s a phrase that, to the uninitiated, sounds like a cryptic code. But to a select few, it’s a creed.
It’s IYAOYAS.
For those who don't know, the acronym stands for a simple, profane, and powerful truth: "If You Ain't Ordnance, You Ain't Shit."
It’s more than just a motto; it's the unofficial, undisputed heart of the Aviation Ordnance community in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. But where did it come from, and what gives it such enduring power?
The Murky Origins of a Legend
Pinpointing the exact moment IYAOYAS was born is like trying to find a single cotter pin dropped on a flight deck at night. There’s no official document or instruction that created it. Instead, like all the best traditions, it rose from the deck plates, born out of grease, sweat, and a healthy dose of professional pride.
Most accounts trace its origins to the era following World War II and leading into the Vietnam War. As naval aviation grew more complex, the role of the Aviation Ordnanceman (AO) became increasingly critical. They were the specialists who worked in dangerous conditions, handling the high explosives and complex systems that gave the aircraft its sting.
The sentiment grew from a fundamental truth: without ordnance, a multi-million dollar fighter jet is just a very fast, very expensive bus. It can fly, it can maneuver, but it cannot project power. It cannot complete its mission. The AOs are the ones who turn a plane into a weapon system.
More Than Words: A Declaration of Identity
IYAOYAS is a direct, unfiltered declaration of importance. In the complex hierarchy of a squadron or a carrier, where pilots often get the glory and mechanics keep the birds flying, the AOs adopted this motto as a fierce reminder of their indispensable role.
It’s a statement that says:
- We work with the things that go "boom."
- Our job requires immense precision, knowledge, and courage.
- When the mission is on the line, it’s our work that makes the difference.
This motto became a unifying force. An AO from the 1970s can share an immediate bond with a new AO fresh out of "A" school through this shared identity. It transcends ships, squadrons, and generations. It’s the password to an exclusive club, earned through hard work and a deep understanding of a dangerous craft.
A Legacy Forged in Steel
Today, IYAOYAS is stronger than ever. It’s emblazoned on challenge coins, tattooed on forearms, and proudly displayed on the custom gear we create here at Ordnance Outfitters. It’s a symbol of a legacy—a legacy of ensuring that when the call comes, the United States Navy and Marine Corps can deliver ordnance on target, every single time.
It’s not arrogance; it’s a profound sense of pride in a job well done. It’s a salute to every sailor and Marine who has ever built a bomb, hung a missile, or triple-checked a circuit to make sure the mission is a success.
So, the next time you see that iconic red bomb or hear the letters "IYAOYAS," know that you’re witnessing more than just a crude slogan. You’re seeing the embodiment of a warrior ethos, born in the bomb farms and proven in the skies around the world.
Ready to wear the legacy? Check out our collection of gear that honors the Ordnance community.