DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS
2000 NAVY PENTAGON
WASHINGTON, DC 20350-2000
OPNAVINST 10520.1B
DNS-13
28 Dec 2021
OPNAV INSTRUCTION 10520.1B
Subj: CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS POLICY REGARDING USE OF THE U.S. NAVY
FLAG, BATTLE STREAMERS, U.S. NAVY INFANTRY BATTALION FLAG AND
THE FIRST NAVY JACK
Ref: (a) Executive Order 10812
(b) U.S. Navy Regulations 1990, Chapter 12, Section 8
(c) NAVADMIN 039/19
(d) SECNAV M-1650.1
(e) NTP-13B (Flags, Pennants and Customs)
1. Purpose. To provide information concerning procurement and use of the U.S. Navy Flag,
Battle Streamers and the U.S. Navy Infantry Battalion Flag per references (a) through (e). This
revision removes the authorization for the First Navy Jack per reference (c).
2. Cancellation. OPNAVINST 10520.1A.
3. Background
.
a. U.S. Navy Flag.
(1) Unlike the national ensign, commission pennant, union jack and admiral's broad
pennant, which fly from gaff, mast or staff on board naval vessels, the flag of the United States
Navy is reserved for display purposes and is carried by an honor guard on ceremonial occasions.
(2) A detailed history, policy and eligibility guidance, list of Battle Streamers, their
accessories and stock number information is available at the CNO’s Awards Branch (DNS-13/
email address: cno_awards@us.navy.mil).
b. U.S. Navy Infantry Battalion Flag. The official Navy flag, truly representative of the
Navy's operating forces at sea, was authorized by reference (a). However, continued use of the
Navy Infantry Battalion Flag is authorized as directed in paragraph 4a.
c. Union Jack. Reference (b) directs use of the Union Jack onboard Navy ships. Per
reference (c), display of the First Navy Jack in lieu of the Union Jack for all U.S. Navy Ships is
no longer authorized.
4. Policy. The U.S. Navy Flag and Battle Streamers are for official Navy use only and will not
be made available to civilian groups, organizations or individuals, except as provided for in
paragraph 5c.
