healthmyths
Diamond Member
- Sep 19, 2011
- 30,375
- 11,939
- 1,400
- Thread starter
- #381
So simple to prove you are full of lies!
Yes, U.S. submarines comply with flag requirements by flying the U.S. Ensign (flag) when surfaced, adhering to international law (UNCLOS) and U.S. Navy customs, though this occurs primarily during transits, port visits, or specific surface operations, as they operate submerged most of the time, where showing a flag isn't practical or required. When surfaced and underway, they fly the Ensign from a mast; in port, they fly the Jack at the bow and the Ensign at the stern.
Key Flag Requirements & Practices:
- International Law: The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) requires submarines to navigate on the surface and show their flag in the territorial sea, a rule the U.S. also follows under older conventions.
- U.S. Navy Custom: When surfaced, U.S. submarines display the national ensign (flag).
- When They Surface: Submarines typically surface for transits to/from port, in shallow waters, or for political reasons, not usually during tactical missions.
- Flag Placement:
- Underway (Surfaced): Ensign flown from a mast.
- In Port/Anchored: The Jack (a blue flag) is flown at the bow, and the Ensign at the stern.
- Submerged Operations: Submarines operate submerged for stealth; flying a flag is not possible or tactically sound underwater, but they are still identified by their nationality through technology.
