When two flags are displayed on a ship, where is the U.S. flag placed?

When two flags are displayed on a ship, where is the U.S. flag placed?

• A. On the left
• B. Centered
• C. On the stern
• D. On the right, flag staff crossed over the other flag

Answer: (D)

When two flags are flown on a ship, hierarchy matters. The U.S. flag, as the national ensign, is given the right-hand position on the ship, i.e., the starboard side. To make this precedence clear, the flag staffs are crossed so the U.S. flag’s staff is in front of (or over) the other flag’s staff. This arrangement communicates immediately which flag has priority and keeps the display orderly. Placing the U.S. flag elsewhere or centering it wouldn’t show this priority.

When two flags are flown on a ship, hierarchy matters. The U.S. flag, as the national ensign, is given the right-hand position on the ship, i.e., the starboard side. To make this precedence clear, the flag staffs are crossed so the U.S. flag’s staff is in front of (or over) the other flag’s staff. This arrangement communicates immediately which flag has priority and keeps the display orderly. Placing the U.S. flag elsewhere or centering it wouldn’t show this priority.