What term is used in the Navy to refer to a classmate or friend?

The term "shipmate" is specifically utilized within the Navy to refer to a fellow sailor, classmate, or colleague. This term emphasizes the camaraderie and sense of unity among members of a ship's crew. When sailors refer to each other as "shipmates," it reflects not only friendship but also shared responsibilities and experiences while serving together. This bond created by working alongside each other in a maritime environment is unique to naval culture.

While other options like "comrade," "buddy," and "companion" also convey the idea of friendship, they lack the specific connection and context that "shipmate" provides within the Navy. Each of the alternative terms can apply more broadly and might be used in other branches of the military or in civilian contexts, whereas "shipmate" is distinctly tied to the naval experience.