[Kathy in Alaska]

LOL!! A two flag hoist would sure be easier than 8 flags. Hope you can join us today on liberty in Minnesota. Way, way, way back when I was in Scouts, I knew semiphore and the flag alphabet, but no more.

[R. Scott]

I never learned semaphore, but was required to learn flags and flashing light. In the Army’s navy, we only had three MOSs aboard – deck (seaman, mate, master, etc.) engine (mechanics) and cooks. The deck people were the equivalent to the Navy rates of boatswain, signalman, quartermaster, gunners mate, etc.; the engine people were equivalent to engineman, electrician, gunners mate, damage controlman, etc. In combat the cook usually stood in for a medic – they knew how to cut and truss meat.