Posted on 03/04/2026 6:17:15 PM PST by llevrok
For those who have tons more knowledge than me of the Navy and militaria -
Watching the videos of our Navy ships launching missiles, I note each ship is flying a larger than normal American flag up on their top most mast.
Some one told me once that when a ship is at war, the flag is flown as high as possible as a warning signal to other ships in the area "This ship is at war, stand clear!"
Is that what I am seeing?
Thanks
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U.S. Navy battle ensigns are large, authorized national flags flown from a warship’s masthead during combat, special evolutions, or entering/exiting port to signify readiness and heritage.
I love how steeped in tradition the US Navy is. And they make sure tradition is respected and adhered to.
I’m guessing it’s also for easier I.D. of friendlies in case of comm failure.
A lot of our naval traditions have been stripped away. The Chief Petty Officer Initiations, Shellback, and Blue Nose ceremonies have been damned near stripped of all tradition. It all started with Tailhook. Gunner might agree with that, or not.
Yes. The Tailhook purges.
Pat Schroeder. Cut the nuts off Alpha males.
Do you mean Paula Coughlin? I’m from Colorado and I don’t recall Pat Schroeder being involved. Might well have been, I just don’t recall.
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