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Outdoor Flags: Manufactured with 100% SolarGuard Nylon or Polyester which is designed to resist fading with normal use. Durable and fast drying. Lightweight nylon material will fly in the lightest breeze. Features a strong duck heading and two large brass grommets.

*Made in the U.S.A.

Anchored in Honor: The History of the U.S. Navy Flag

At Gates Flag & Banner, we know that every flag we craft is more than just fabric and thread—it’s a symbol of sacrifice, legacy, and national pride. Few flags represent this more than the official flag of the United States Navy. Though the Navy’s history spans centuries of sea power and innovation, its official flag is a surprisingly recent addition to military heraldry.

Let’s take a look at how the U.S. Navy flag came to be, what it symbolizes, and why it holds such a special place in American military tradition—and in our workshop.

Early Naval Flags: Symbols Without Standardization

The United States Navy was formally established in 1794, though its origins go back to the Continental Navy during the Revolutionary War. In those early days, naval vessels flew a variety of flags, including the “Don’t Tread on Me” rattlesnake jack, the First Navy Jack, and various ensigns that signaled American sovereignty at sea.

But for nearly 170 years, the Navy—despite its central role in American defense—had no official, standardized service flag of its own.

While individual ships and commands had ceremonial flags and battle standards, there wasn’t a single flag that represented the U.S. Navy as an institution.

The Birth of an Official Flag: 1959

That changed on April 24, 1959, when President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially approved the United States Navy flag. The design was based on a flag previously used by the Navy during parades and official ceremonies starting in the 1950s, but it wasn’t codified as the official Navy flag until that presidential order.

This moment marked a turning point. After more than 160 years, the Navy finally had a flag to match its proud tradition.

At Gates Flag & Banner, that date holds special meaning. It meant the beginning of a new opportunity for us to honor sailors across generations—with a flag worthy of their service.

Design & Symbolism: Strength at Sea

The Navy flag is striking in its simplicity and symbolism:

A dark blue field represents the vast oceans that the Navy calls home.
At the center is the official seal of the U.S. Department of the Navy, featuring:
- An American bald eagle perched on an anchor,
- A three-masted sailing ship in the background, representing the Navy’s origins,
- And crossed anchors and a ship’s wheel, nodding to naval heritage and command.
Below the seal is a gold scroll with the words “United States Navy.”

Unlike the Navy jack (flown on ships’ bows) or the ensign (the American flag flown at the stern), the Navy’s official flag is used primarily for ceremonial purposes—on land and at official functions.

When we produce Navy flags at Gates, our team pays close attention to every element. The golds, blues, and detailed seal require expert technique and a reverence for tradition. After all, this flag is not only seen at parades and retirements—it drapes caskets, marks promotions, and honors generations of sailors.

Streamers: A Chronicle of Service

Like other U.S. military branch flags, the Navy flag may be adorned with campaign streamers, each representing conflicts in which the Navy has played a significant role—from the Barbary Wars and World Wars I & II to Desert Storm and the Global War on Terrorism.

Each streamer is a chapter in the Navy’s long and storied history—and at Gates, we proudly produce these streamers to precise military specifications. When added to the Navy flag, they transform it into a living timeline of naval excellence.

Today’s Navy Flag: More Than a Banner

Today, the Navy flag is flown at official Navy events, at change-of-command ceremonies, and during national holidays like Navy Day and Veterans Day. It’s also a familiar sight at military funerals, naval museums, and patriotic displays across the country.

For the 300,000+ active-duty and reserve sailors in today’s Navy—and for the millions who have served before them—this flag serves as a unifying symbol of honor, courage, and commitment.

Our Commitment to the Fleet

At Gates Flag & Banner, crafting the U.S. Navy flag is more than a job—it’s a privilege. With every flag we produce, we strive to honor the spirit of those who serve at sea and safeguard our nation from ocean to ocean.

We may be based on land, but through our flags, we proudly stand with the fleet.

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