Section 3 of Public Law 929—77th Congress as
amended by Public Law 107—83rd Congress
authorized the use of the church pennant above
the national ensign “during church services
conducted by naval chaplains at sea.” By
long established customs, the phrase “Naval
Chaplains” has traditionally been recognized to
indicate visiting church dignitaries and chaplains
of other services when actually engaged in
conducting divine services for Navy personnel
afloat. The phrase “at sea” is interpreted for
U.S. Navy purposes meaning “on board a Navy
ship.”
Ships should be fitted with two halyards to the
same point of honor at the flagstaff and the
gaff; this will permit the display of the church
pennant and the ensign simultaneously.
If divine services are being conducted, or
commence at the time of morning colors, the
ensign shall be hoisted to the peak at the pre-
scribed time. The church pennant is then hoisted
and the ensign dipped just clear of the church
pennant.
Should divine services be conducted during time
of evening colors, the church pennant shall be
hauled down and the ensign hoisted to the peak
just prior to the time for colors; the ensign is
then hauled down upon execution of evening
colors.
The same rules governing the display of the
Christian church pennant also apply to the
display of the Jewish worship pennant when
Jewish religious services are conducted.
2.87.95(M1)
Figure 2-12.—The Cross is symbolic of Christianity.
2-12
