What do chiefs refer to their dining area as on a ship?

When discussing the dining area referred to by chiefs on a ship, the term "Goat Locker" is indeed the correct choice. This informal term is traditionally used by sailors to describe the space where the chief petty officers dine and gather. The origin of the nickname is linked to the history of the Navy; it is said to have originated from a time when chiefs would keep a goat aboard a ship as a source of milk and companionship, which eventually became a sort of symbol of the chief's community.

In contrast, the "Chief's Mess" also identifies the dining area for chiefs, but the term "Goat Locker" is more widely recognized and carries historical significance within Navy culture. The "Ward Room," on the other hand, is designated for the officers, providing a separate dining area from the enlisted members. The "Crew Mess" refers to the dining area for all enlisted personnel, distinct from that of the NCOs and officers. Each term has its specific context and importance within Navy life, with the "Goat Locker" holding a particular resonance among chiefs.