Well, I must say, I never cease to learn in these forums!
After nearly 10 years in the Navy, this is the first time I ever heard/saw the expression for abandoning ship with the definite article in it! I think they included it in those particular cases (from following your link, Marylin) because they were talking
about the fact that the order was given. Whenever we had drills or spoke of it onboard ship, it was always "abandon ship"--no article. Therefore, I'm inclined to think that when one is
in the situation, the expression is used without the article, but when one is relating a story
about the situation, it may be included or omitted.
Zoobinshid, great question! Let's see if we gain any more inputs!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Sweet Momma Sue