The phrase "Hey Rube" was used by U.S. Navy carriers during World War II as a call for immediate action, particularly when combat air patrols (CAP) were needed. The term originated from the circus world, where "Hey Rube" was a traditional shout used by circus performers to signal that a fight or emergency was happening, typically to rally others to join the conflict.
In the context of naval operations, this phrase was adopted by fighter pilots and aircrew to alert the fleet and aviation personnel to urgent threats, such as an enemy air attack. When a carrier's air defense squadron needed to scramble aircraft to engage enemy bombers or fighters, the "Hey Rube" call would trigger immediate responses from nearby aircraft, preparing them for combat.
The phrase was essentially a codeword that conveyed a sense of urgency, signaling that it was time to act fast to defend the carrier and its crew. It served to cut through the noise and confusion of wartime operations, ensuring swift reactions and coordination among the combat air patrols.
While "Hey Rube" was primarily used by the U.S. Navy during WWII, its use faded after the war as operational procedures and communication methods evolved. However, it remains a fascinating example of how military operations sometimes adopt unique, informal language to communicate urgency and rally personnel in times of crisis.