Semper Gumby
Encyclopedia
Semper Gumby The real Latin
phrase meaning "always flexible" is Semper Flexibilis is an unofficial motto for all U.S. military services Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) detachments and later on for Navy Seabees. They have been using it since at least 1985. It is a play on the official Marine Corps
motto Semper Fidelis
, usually abbreviated Semper Fi, which means "always faithful" and that of the US Coast Guard, Semper Paratus
, meaning "Always Ready." , Navy fast attack submariners, and USCG personnel, "Semper Gumby", refers to the cartoon
character Gumby
, means "always flexible."
The first use of Semper Gumby was by Captain Jay Farmer of HMM-264 in 1984 who actually flew with a Gumby character toy mounted on the standby Compass on the instrument panel of his CH-46E nicknamed "Airwolf".
While popular belief has it that the term was first referenced by the 1st Sgt
TOW
Co. 3rd Tank Battalion 7th Marine Expeditionary Brigade
(Task Force Ripper) prior to deployment of Operation Desert Shield from MCAGCC 29 Palms, Ca. on August 15, 1990. "Marines, My platoon commander in Nam used to tell us 'Semper Gumby, Always Flexible'."
The 3rd Battalion, 11th Marines has "always flexible" as part of their official motto.
The phrase was also said by Corporal Gabriel 'Gabe' Garza played by Rey Valentin
on the HBO series Generation Kill
.
Latin
Latin is an Italic language originally spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. It, along with most European languages, is a descendant of the ancient Proto-Indo-European language. Although it is considered a dead language, a number of scholars and members of the Christian clergy speak it fluently, and...
phrase meaning "always flexible" is Semper Flexibilis is an unofficial motto for all U.S. military services Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) detachments and later on for Navy Seabees. They have been using it since at least 1985. It is a play on the official Marine Corps
Marine corps
A marine is a member of a force that specializes in expeditionary operations such as amphibious assault and occupation. The marines traditionally have strong links with the country's navy...
motto Semper Fidelis
Semper fidelis
Semper Fidelis is Latin for "Always Faithful" or "Always Loyal". Well known in the United States as the motto of the United States Marine Corps , Semper Fidelis has served as a slogan for many families and entities, in many countries, dated to have been started no later than the 16th century...
, usually abbreviated Semper Fi, which means "always faithful" and that of the US Coast Guard, Semper Paratus
Semper paratus
Semper Paratus is the motto of a number of different organizations:-Canada:* The Windsor Regiment , an armoured regiment* The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry , an infantry regiment...
, meaning "Always Ready." , Navy fast attack submariners, and USCG personnel, "Semper Gumby", refers to the cartoon
Cartoon
A cartoon is a form of two-dimensional illustrated visual art. While the specific definition has changed over time, modern usage refers to a typically non-realistic or semi-realistic drawing or painting intended for satire, caricature, or humor, or to the artistic style of such works...
character Gumby
Gumby
Gumby is a green clay humanoid character created and modeled by Art Clokey, who also created Davey and Goliath. Gumby has been the subject of a 233-episode series of American television as well as a feature-length film and other media...
, means "always flexible."
The first use of Semper Gumby was by Captain Jay Farmer of HMM-264 in 1984 who actually flew with a Gumby character toy mounted on the standby Compass on the instrument panel of his CH-46E nicknamed "Airwolf".
While popular belief has it that the term was first referenced by the 1st Sgt
First Sergeant
First sergeant is the name of a military rank used in many countries, typically a senior non-commissioned officer.-Singapore:First Sergeant is a Specialist in the Singapore Armed Forces. First Sergeants are the most senior of the junior Specialists, ranking above Second Sergeants, and below Staff...
TOW
BGM-71 TOW
The BGM-71 TOW is an anti-tank missile. "BGM" is a weapon classification that stands for "Multiple Environment , Surface-Attack , Missile ". "TOW" is an acronym that stands for "Tube-launched, Optically-tracked, Wire command data link, guided missile"...
Co. 3rd Tank Battalion 7th Marine Expeditionary Brigade
Marine Expeditionary Brigade
A Marine Expeditionary Brigade is a formation of the United States Marine Corps, a Marine Air-Ground Task Force of approximately 14,500 Marines and Sailors constructed around a reinforced infantry regiment, a composite Marine aircraft group, a logistics group and a command element...
(Task Force Ripper) prior to deployment of Operation Desert Shield from MCAGCC 29 Palms, Ca. on August 15, 1990. "Marines, My platoon commander in Nam used to tell us 'Semper Gumby, Always Flexible'."
The 3rd Battalion, 11th Marines has "always flexible" as part of their official motto.
The phrase was also said by Corporal Gabriel 'Gabe' Garza played by Rey Valentin
Rey Valentin
Reynaldo Valentin is an American actor. He is best known for his roles in Generation Kill as Cpl. Gabe Garza, One Tree Hill as Nicholas "Nick" Chavez and in The Bedford Diaries as Chris Hernandez....
on the HBO series Generation Kill
Generation Kill (TV series)
Generation Kill is a 2008 HBO television miniseries based on the book of the same name by Evan Wright about his experience as an embedded reporter with the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion of the United States Marine Corps during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. It was adapted for television by David Simon,...
.