Callsign

Callsigns are names, different from their given names, used to identify pilots and ECO's. While there have been no guidelines for callsigns given on screen, they are typically of a heroic or comical nature, sometimes given for a specific circumstance. Examples of callsigns are Apollo (Lee Adama), Starbuck (Kara Thrace), Racetrack (Margaret Edmondson), and Husker (William Adama).

A callsign can be used to identify an individual regardless of the circumstance in which it is used. For example, Karl "Helo" Agathon is often referred to simply by his callsign "Helo" as opposed to his given name "Karl", even by his wife. Even in circumstances where he is in the CIC and not in his cockpit, he is called Helo.

Callsigns can also be used to identify ships. Colonial One was orginally referred to over comm traffic as Colonial Heavy 798.

Additonally, a ship's commander will often assume the mantle of 'actual'. For example, the officer currently in command of Galactica will be referred to as "Galactica Actual' over comm traffic.