mess gear

He did his share in policing the grounds, never shirked a cigar end or a bit of paper and amused many a mess gear line.

We worked hard all day, and, when mess gear was piped for supper, we could hardly repress a sigh of heartfelt relief.

Several minutes before "mess gear" was due, a lookout at the masthead reported smoke in sight off the starboard bow.

By the time "mess gear" was piped, the ship was very clean, so during the afternoon we were left largely to our own devices.

Clear ship for action always means an exchange of undesirable mess gear, such as broken benches, tables, etc.