What term refers to the home airfield or ship?

The term that specifically refers to the home airfield or the ship is "home plate." In aviation, "home plate" is commonly used among pilots and aircrew to indicate the primary location where their aircraft is based. This term embodies the idea of familiarity and belonging, signifying a place where crews return after missions or training exercises. It serves as a colloquial reference that encompasses more than just a physical location; it implies operational readiness, maintenance, and support activities associated with an aircrew's primary operating base.

While other options such as "base," "hangar," and "airstrip" have their own definitions in aviation, they do not capture the same specific context of being a designated home location. A "base" may refer broadly to a military or operational location, a "hangar" is a building used for aircraft storage and maintenance, and an "airstrip" indicates a simple landing area for aircraft. However, "home plate" distinctly emphasizes the established relationship between the aircraft and its designated operations center or parent vessel.