Phonetic alphabet

The Phonetic Alphabet is the primary naming system used for small vessels. The UNSC uses the NATO.

Uses in Halo

 * Pelican dropships are identified by a serial number consisting of one letter from the Phonetic Alphabet and three numbers. Examples: Echo 419, Victor 933, Bravo 022, Kilo 023 (Pelican).
 * The Halos are identified by Phonetic letters. Examples: Alpha Halo, Delta Halo.
 * Fire Teams are distinguished by Phonetic letters (example: Fire Team Zulu).
 * Bumblebee lifepods have serial numbers using three letters from the Phonetic alphabet.
 * Marines use them in place of abbreviations in the field for weapons, vehicles, units, and sometimes common sayings.
 * A nickname for Brutes on the field is "Baby Kong." Marines often say "Bravo-Kilo" instead, usually in interviews or testimonials.
 * Dutch uses "Oscar-Mike", meaning "on the move." Also he is often heard using "Mike-Foxtrot" as self-imposed censorship for "mother fucker."
 * Spartans have used "Sierra" as part of their codename.
 * SPARTAN-117 is often referred to as Sierra-117 in Halo 3.
 * Carter-A259 refers to himself as "Sierra-259" and Kat-B320 refers to herself as "Sierra-320" in the Halo: Reach announcement trailer.
 * Dr. Catherine Halsey used the Phonetic alphabet to construct an alias matching her initials ("Charlie Hotel") in the epilogue of Halo: Contact Harvest.