Why do American sailors........

all a matter of perspective

can we move ahead

They sure are if you want to keep your knickers dry. Being out in front doesn't seem like there'd be much chance of that. Sort of a super dangerous bidet.

Did you know that navy slang or navy terminology is used by the Marine Corps too?
In a Marine barracks or other building the bathroom is 'the head' the floor is 'the deck', the walls are called 'bulkheads' etc.

Un huh. They've got a funny word for stairways, but it escapes me at the moment.

Ladder well, it could be, according to wikipedia. Or companionway.

Ladder well it is.

Buncha' dumb squids.

Thanks for a very full answer everybody