How to Display the U.S. Navy Flag

The US Navy flag properly displayed to the right of and lower than the US National flag.

The flag of the U.S. Navy, adopted in 1959, features the Seal of the Department of the Navy on a navy blue background. The version of the flag carried or displayed outdoors has a gold border around all four sides of the flag, whereas the flag flown indoors does not have a border. Both flag etiquette and directives from the Department of the Navy dictate how to display the U.S. Navy Flag. Follow the rules to show respect for this national military emblem.

Instructions

1. Display the Navy flag only during approved occasions. Approved occasions include official U.S. Navy events, Navy displays, parades and any other occasion approved by the Secretary of the Navy. Do not display the Navy flag for unofficial or unapproved purposes, and take it down at the end of the event.

2. Fly the Navy flag to the right of the U.S. flag in the "position of honor" at official Navy ceremonies. The right side is the side to the flag's right as it's displayed. The flag must be displayed lower than, or in a position of lesser prominence, than the US flag. If other branches of service are represented, then other service flags may be displayed in the following order of service: Army flag, Marine flag, Navy flag, Air Force flag, and lastly, Coast Guard flag. Typically service academy flags take a position of greater precedence than their corresponding service branch.

3. Dip the flag at sea or on shore if the flag is displayed. To "dip" the flag means to lower it briefly and raise it again in response to another vessel's dipping or salute as a diplomatic protocol. Do not fly the U.S. Navy flag from gaff with the National flag and commission pennant.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not ever add fringe to the U.S. Navy flag. The current U.S. Navy flag does not contain any fringe, but some historic versions might contain it. If the flag is historic and decorated with fringe, leave the fringe intact when displaying the flag.

• Only the US Navy can own and display the U.S. Navy flag for official purposes. Battle streamers may only fly when directly authorized by the Navy.

References

• Alexandria Division U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps; Department of the Navy Honor Guard Flag Instructions Memo
• CRS Report for Congress: The United States Flag: Federal Law Relating to Display and Associated Questions

Resources

• Flag Guys: U.S. Flag Ettiquette