Question

upon the death of the commanding officer, the ship should fly at half-mast which of the following pennants?

a) commission
b) church
c) first substitute
d) fourth substitute

Explanation:

Identify the naval protocol for the death of a Commanding Officer

According to U.S. Navy Regulations and standard naval customs, when a commanding officer of a ship dies while in command, the ship's commission pennant is flown at half-mast.

Evaluate the given options

• Commission: The commission pennant represents the command status of the vessel and is half-masted upon the death of the Commanding Officer.
• Church: The church pennant is flown above the national ensign during church services conducted by a navy chaplain.
• First substitute: Represents the absence of the flag officer or unit commander.
• Fourth substitute: Represents the absence of the civilian official or commanding officer.

Answer:

• (A) Commission (Correct answer)
• (B) Church
• (C) First substitute
• (D) Fourth substitute