U.S. flag ever dipped??

Question

I'm a twenty year Air Force retiree. I should know the answer to this, but is the U.S. Flag ever, under any circumstances dipped as in salute?? I'v heard that the only time is at sea, and then only if the other ship dips their flag first. Thanks.:)))

Answer 1

On naval ships, the flag is dipped as a salute. US Navy ships only dip when a foreign naval ships dip first.

In addition, when two US Navy ships pass, the ship with the lower ranking commander dips in salute to the other. And all Navy ships, no matter rank, dip the flag in salute to the White House, the tomb of George Washington, and USS Arizona.

Answer 2

There is nothing in the flag code: U. S. Flag Code (36 USC 10) that specifically forbids the dipping of the flag in salute. Take a look at it.

Answer 3

According to regulations regarding display of the flag it is not supposed to dipped. However it is commonpalce for U.S. Navy ships to extend the honor to ships of the British Navy and vice-versa due to our close alliance. There are no other circumstances of the practice being continued outside of that of which I am aware.

Answer 4

I was in the Civil Air Patrol for about 5 years. I served on the color guard for 3. We were taught never to dip the American flag for any reason.

Answer 5

To my knowledge, the US flag should never be dipped as in a salute. If there is a nautical custom, I am not aware of it but it would not surprise me to know it.

Answer 6

Yes, it is a Naval courtesy. The Dutch were the first to extend the courtesy to the US Navy during the revolution. I hate to admit but I can't remember all of the particulars that go along with the courtesy but yes it does happen.

Answer 7

the only form of a "dip" by the US flag:

When putting the flag up and intending to fly it at half mast, the flag is raised briskly to the top of the pole, then lowered tot he half-mast point.
When the flag is lowered from half mast... it is first briskly raist to full staff, then lowered at a slower rate.