Reservists, specifically those who work around commissioned ships, do you come to attention and salute the flag when you cross the brow?

2017-07-16T20:21:19-04:00

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2017 1:48 PM

2017-07-18T13:48:43-04:00

Ma'am,
Could you clarify? What is the distinction with reservist? I will go out on a limb and assume that a Reserve Competent Sailor was detailed to, had AT, ADT, ADSW orders or was visiting the said vessel and failed to cross properly? If it is a Sailor who did not do so, then they are at fault. The rules are the same regardless of AC vs RC and it is failure of that Sailors leadership to properly train said Sailor on the proper Customs and Courtesies. CMDCM Gene Treants

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made Jul 18 at 2017 9:35 PM

2017-07-18T21:35:36-04:00

WOW! Looking at the question alone and without the background, the answer is, of course, a nonqualified YES! As a retired Sailor, anytime I go aboard a U. S. Navy Vessel I render honors as if I am in uniform, but not salute, just come to attention as I face the ensign and the OOD. I also request permission to come aboard, but when leaving report that I have permission to leave the ship.

Any reservist would of course also live by these rules when reporting on or off a ship. That is IF he or she was activated for duty, not inactive. There is a difference. (Civilian guests do not render honors.)

HOWEVER, after reading your reply to SCPO Private RallyPoint Member that is a bag of worms, to say the least. Being a Command Master Chief I would say that, IF in uniform, yes, render honors. That is the right thing to do. However, unless the Commanding Officer has ever made it clear the S/he wants to change NOAA Policy since the crew is treated as civilians, there is really no reason to render honors as if the ship is a U.S. Navy Ship. This is MY best Guess.

When I go aboard a civilian cruise ship I do not render honors, but if I go aboard a foreign Man-of-War I do. NOOA in all respects is not treated as a M-o-W.

Response by SCPO Timothy Ellis made Jul 27 at 2017 3:04 PM

2017-07-27T15:04:28-04:00

I still look around for the flag and involuntarily salute the stern even though I have been retired for 10 years. Good habits die hard I guess. I get some strange looks in the oil patch.