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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?
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Click here: to donate by Credit Card Or here: to donate by PayPal Or by mail to: Free Republic, LLC - PO Box 9771 - Fresno, CA 93794 Thank you very much and God bless you. |
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.
How sad... I still have my father’s card signed by Neptunus Rex, aka King Neptune. He crossed the line several times, thus attaining the informal title “Crusty Old Shellback. Being a WWII Pacific Fleet Submariner, he lived more during his time in the navy than many people live in their whole lives. Going through multiple depth charge attacks by Japanese destroyers really made him appreciate life for the rest of his days. I sure miss him...
Just as the DoD has been changed back to the Department of War, the old traditions should be resurrected. Traditions build strong teams.
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