1 : in motion : not at anchor or aground The ship was underway at dawn. 2 : into motion from a standstill The train should be underway again soon. 3 : in progress : happening now Preparations for the celebration are already underway. A search is underway.

What does it mean to be underway in the Navy?

Underway, or under way, is a nautical term describing the state of a vessel. ... A vessel is said to be underway if it meets the following criteria: It is not aground. It is not at anchor. It has not been made fast to a dock, the shore, or other stationary object.

How long is a Navy underway?

Search Navy.com

Specific underway schedules can vary widely. Normally ships will go to sea for 10 days to 2 weeks each month for training operations in preparation for deployment. Extended operations away from home port can last up to 6 to 9 months, and ships typically deploy once every 18-24 months.