Commissioning pennant

The Commissioning pennant or Masthead pennant is a pennant (also spelt "pendant") flown from the masthead of a warship. The pennant reflects the fact that the ship is a ship of war, and is flown until the ship is decommissioned. It is generally taken to signify the commissioned status of the warship, although of course it is the captain of the ship who holds the commission, and not the ship. In some navies, the Commissioning Pennant is used in addition to represent the personal authority of the captain, although it is flown continuously aboard the ship whether the captain is aboard or not.

Related Topics:
Pennant - Masthead - Warship

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In the Royal Navy, the commissioning pennant has a white field with the red cross of St George in the hoist. The flag is typically 1m in length and only 10cm at the hoist, tapering to the point. The red horizontal and vertical stripes bisect the sides.

Related Topics:
Royal Navy - St George

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