OPNAVINST 1710.7A - Historic Naval Ships Association

OPNAVINST 

15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

Social Usage and Protocol 

Handbook 

A Guide for Personnel of the U.S. Navy 

OPNAV Special Events Office 

Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (N09BX) 

Department of the Navy 

Washington, D.C. 

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DEPARTMENT OF THIE NAVY 

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS 

2000 NAVY PENTAGON 

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20350-:2000 

IN REPLY REFER TO 

OPNAVINST 1710. 7A 

N09BX 

15 Jun 2001 

OPNAV INSTRUCTION 

171O.7A 

From: Chief of Naval Operations 

To: All Ships and Stations 

Subj : DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY SOCIAL USAGE AND PROTOCOL 

HANDBOOK 

Encl : (1) Social Usage and Protocol Handbook 

1. Purpose. To issue revised policies, responsibilities and 

standards for guidance on social usage and protocol matters 

throughout the Navy. 

2. Cancellation. OPNAVINST 1710.7. 

3. Policy. The Social Usage and Protclcol Handbook contains the 

current information on formal and informal activities which have 

a distinctly naval military and/or diplomatic setting. It does 

not seek to duplicate the material available in numerous 

civilian etiquette texts which apply equally well to the 

military community. 

4. Administrative and Maintenance. The Chief of Naval 

.Operations shall keep the handbook current and provide changes, 

as required. Recommendations for changes, together with the 

reasons, may be submitted to Chief of Naval Operations (N09BX) . 

&fi 

G. L. TALBOT, JR. 

Rear Admiral, U.S / Navy 

Director, Navy Staff 

Distribution: 

SNDL Parts 1 and 2 

MARCORPS PCN 71000000000 and 71000000100


15 Jun2001 

171O,7A 

Record of Chan[ges 

Correction Date Date Entered 

or Change No. of Change Entered By 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

Table of Contents 

Chapter 1. Official Entertainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1 

Precedence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...1-1 

PrecedenceList. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2 

Chapter Z. Invitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...2-1 

Formal Invitations.,..,.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2-1 

FullyEngraved. . . . . . . . . , . . . , . . . . . . . . . . 2-2 

Exampleof FullyEngraved. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3 

WeddingInvitations. , . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . 2-3 

Semi-engraved Invitations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5 

Examplesof Semi-engravedInvitationsto a: 

Reception. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6 

Cocktails. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7 

Luncheonin Honorof Someone. . , . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . 2-8 

DhnerinHonorofSomeone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9 

Dinner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...2-10 

Two MarriedNaval Officers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11 

Computer-generated Invitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12 

Handwritten Invitations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12 

Exampleof Handmitten Invitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12 

Telephone Invitations and “To remind” Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12 

Examplesof “To remind”Cards 

Fora Reception. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13 

Fora Luncheon. . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14 

Informal Invitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...2-14 

InformalCadds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2-14 

Exampleof InformalInvitationon a FoldedInformalCard . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15 

Recalling Invitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...2-16 

Responding toh-nitations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16 

Withdrawin gAcceptances. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17 

Chapter 3. Seating Arrangements . . . . . . . . . . 

Seating Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

UsualMixedDinners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Plan 1a – Host/hostess at Endsof Table . . . . . . . . 

Plan lb – Host/hostess at Mid-Table . . . . . 

Plan lC– TWOat Each Endof Table . . . . . . . 

Plan ld - Hostihostess at Separate Tables (number divisible 13yfour) 

Plan 1e – Hosthostess at Separate Tables. . . . . . . . . 

. . . . . . . . 3-1 

. . . . . . . . 3-1 

. . . . . . . . 3-2 

. . . . . . . . 3-2 

. . . . . . 3-2 

. . . . . . . . 3-3 

. . . . . . . . 3-3 

. . . . . . . . 3-4 

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15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

Mixed Dinners – Multiples of Four . . . . . . . . . 

Plan 2a – All Couples Married . . . . . . . . . 

Plan 2b – One Couple Unmarried . . . . . . . . . 

Plan 2C– All Couples Married – Round Table . . . . . . 

Mixed Dinners – at Horseshoe-shaped Table . . . . . . . 

Plan 3a – Horseshoe-shaped Table with Couples . . . . . 

Plan 3b – Alternate Plan for Horseshoe-shaped table with Couples 

Mixed Dinners – with Single Host/Hostess . . . . . . . . 

Plan 4a – Single Host with Co-host . . . . . . . . . 

Plan 4b – Single Hostess with Co-hostess . . . . . . 

Plan 4Cor 4d – No Co-host/Co-hostess; All Married Couphx. , 

Plan 4e or 4f – No Co-host/Co-hostess; Not AHMarried Couples 

All Male/All Female Luncheons and Dinners . . . . . . . 

Plan 5a – With Co-host/Co-hostess . . . . . . . . . 

Plan 5b – Without Co-host/Co-hostess . . . . . . . . 

Head Tables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Plan 6a – With Low-ranking Toastmaster . . . . . . . 

Plan 6b – With Important Official and Civilian Guests . . . 

Plan 6C– With Guests and Club Officers . . . . . . 

Plan6d– With Couples . . . . . . . . . . . . 

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. . . . . . 3-4 

. . . . . . 3-4 

. . . . . . 3-5 

. . . . . . 3-5 

. . . . . . 3-5 

. . . . . . 3-6 

. . . . . . 3-6 

. . . ,., 3-7 

. . . . . . 3-7 

. . . . . . 3-7 

. . . . . . 3-8 

. . . . . . 3-9 

. . . . . . 3-1o 

.,. . . . 3-1o 

. . . . . . 3-11 

. . . . . . 3-11 

. . . . . . 3-12 

. . . . . . 3-12 

. . . . . . 3-13 

. . . . . . 3-13 

Chapter 4. Formal Dining . . . 

General Guidelines . . . . . 

Dinner Partners . . . . . . 

Example of Name Card . . . . 

Seating Diagram – Rectangular Table 

Seating Diagram – Round Table. . 

Example of Escort Card . . . . 

Place Cards. . . . . . . . 

Examples of Place Cards. . . . 

Menu Cards . . . . . , . 

Conversation at Table . . . . 

Smoking at Table. 

Order of Departure 

Thank You Notes 

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. . . . . . 4-1 

. . . . . . 4-1 

. . . . . . 4-1 

. . . . . . 4-2 

. . . . . . 4-2 

. . . . . . 4-3 

. . . . . . 4-3 

. . . . . . 4-4 

. . . . . . 4-5 

. . . . . . 4-6 

. . . . . . 4-7 

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7 

Chapter 5. Toasting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1 

Ceremonial Toasts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1 

British Customs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2 

French and Italian Customs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3 

Scandinavian Customs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...5-3 

Chapter 6. Receptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..6-1 

Attire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 6-2 

ii 

Enclosure (1)


171O.7A 

Chapter 7. Cards and Calls 

Calling Cards . . . . . 

Selecting Cards . . . . 

Personal Cards . . . . 

Officers . . . . . . 

Senior Flag Officers . . . 

Senior Officers . . . . 

Junior Officers . . , . 

Staff Corps Officers . . 

Midshipmen . . . , . 

Retired Officers . . . . 

Naval Attach6s . . . . 

Senior Officer NavalAttach& 

Senior Officer, Staff Corps, Naval Attach6 . 

Junior Officer Naval Attach6 . . 

Other Naval Persomel . . . . 

Navy Department Civil Officials 

Civilian Women . . . . . . . . 

Joint Cards. . . . . . . . . . 

Informal Cards . . . . . . . . 

7-1 

7-1 

7-2 

7-2 

7-2 

7-2 

7-2 

7-3 

7-3 

7-3 

7-4 

7-4 

7-4 

7-4 

7-5 

7-5 

7-5 

7-5 

7-6 

7-7 

Chapter 8. Dining-In . . . . 

Officers of the Mess . . . . 

Guests . . . . . . . . . 

Procedure . . . . . . . . 

Cocktail Hour . . . . . . 

Canto Dinner . . . . . . 

Grace . . . . . . . . 

Gavel . . . . . . . . 

Seating Arrangements . . . . 

Table Setting. . . . . . . 

Wines. . . . . . . . . 

Dining-In Toasts . . . . . . 

Dining-In Violations of the Mess . 

POW/MIA Table . . . . . . 

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8-1 

8-1 

8-1 

8-1 

8-1 

8-2 

8-2 

8-2 

8-2 

8-3 

8-3 

8-3 

8-5 

8-6 

Chapter 9. Ship Ceremonies . . 

Keel-Laying Ceremony . . . 

Invitation . . . . . . . . 

Program . . . . . . . 

Launching/Christening Ceremony 

Invitation . . . . . . . . 

Program. . . . . . . . 

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9-1 

9-1 

9-1 

9-2 

9-2 

9-2 

9-3 

... 

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171O.7A 

Commissioning Ceremony . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3 

Invitation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4 

Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5 

Decommissioning Ceremony . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . 9-5 

Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5 

Chapter 10. Change of Command and Retirement Ceremonies 

Change of Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Invitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Seating on Platform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Receiving Line. . . . , , . . . . . . . . . . 

Retirement Ceremonies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Invitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Combined Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony. . 

Invitation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Use of Printed Material and Mailing . . . . . . . . . 

. . . . . . . . 1o-1 

. . . . . . . . 1o-1 

. . . . . . . . 1o-1 

. . . . . . ., 10-2 

. . . . . . . . 10-2 

. . . . . . . . 10-2 

. . . . . . . . 10-3 

. . . . . . .’. 10-3 

. . . . . . . . 10-3 

. . . . . . . . 10-3 

. . . . . . . . 10-4 

Chapter 11. Arranging Visits for Dignitaries 

General Guidelines . . . . . . . . . 

Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

The Escort Officer . . . . . . . . . 

Honors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Entertainment of Foreign Dignitaries . . . 

Dietary Restrictions of Foreign Dignitaries. . 

Record of Dietary Restrictions . . . . . . 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-1 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-1 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-1 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-2 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-3 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-3 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-4 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-5 

Chapter 12. Forms of Address, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1 

Married Military Women . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 12-1 

Other ForrnsofAddress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...12-2 

Introductions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...12-2 

AmericanDignitaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...12-2 

Ambassador of the United States (on leave or retired) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-3 

Ambassador of the United States (on post) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-3 

Ambassador of the United States (woman) . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . 12-4 

Ambassador of the United States (with military rank) . . . . . . . . . . . . , . 12-4 

Assistant tothe President , , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . 12-5 

Assistant Secretaries of Executive and Military Departments . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-5 

Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-6 

Cabinet Officers 

Secretary of Defense. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-6 

The Attorney General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-7 

Charg6 d’Affaires ad interim of the United States . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-7 

The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States . . . . . . . . . . . 12-8 

Congressman(U.S.) or Congresswoman . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . 12-8 

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Enclosure (1)


15 Jun2001 

171O.7A 

Consul General, Consul or Vice Consul of the United States , . . . . . . . . , , . 

Former President of the United States of America . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . 

Govemorofa State. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Judge ofa Court. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Mayors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Minister ofan U.S. Legation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Minister ofan U.S. Legation (woman) . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

President of the United States of America , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Presiding Judge. . . , . . . , . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . , 

Secretaries of the Armed Semices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Senator (U.S.)......,.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

The Speaker of the House of Representatives . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . 

Foreign Dignitaries 

Ambassador. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Ambassador with personal title of royalty or nobility . . . . . . . . . . , . . . 

Chargkd’Affaires adinterim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

King . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Minister ofan Embassy. . . . . , , . . . . . , . , . . . . . . . 

Minister plenipotentiary of a Legation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

President ofa Republic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . 

PrimeMinister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Queen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Military 

Admiral, Vice Admiral, Rear Admiral . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

General, Lieutenant General, Major General, Brigadier General , . , , , . . . . . . 

British and Commonwealth Navies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Foreign military withtitle of nobility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Initials of British Honors, Decorations and Medals. . . . . . . . . . . , . 

Orders of Knighthood According to Precedence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

12-9 

12-9 

12-10 

12-10 

12-11 

12-11 

12-12 

12-12 

12-13 

12-13 

12-14 

12-14 

12-15 

12-15 

12-16 

12-16 

12-17 

12-17 

12-18 

12-18 

12-19 

12-20 

12-20 

12-21 

12-21 

12-22 

12-22 

Annex A. Order of Precedence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1 

Annex B. Foreign Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. B-1 

Annex C. Military Ranks of the Armed Forces . . . . . . . . . . . . . , C-1 

Annex D. Military and Civilian Pay Grade Equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . D-1 

Annex E. Models of Address 

Military . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. E-l 

Navyand Coast Guard Officers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-1 

Marine Corps, Air Force and Army Officers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-1 

Navyand Coast Guard Enlisted, , . . . . . . . . . . , . , . . . . . E-2 

Marine Corps Enlisted. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E-2 

ArmyEnlisted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ,E-3 

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Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

Air Force Enlisted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Other Military . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Civilian. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

TheWhiteHouse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

TheVicePresident. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . , . . . 

The Judiciary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

The Senate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

HouseofRepresentatives . . . . , . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . 

Legislative Agencies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Executive Departments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Independent Organizations . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . 

American Missions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

ForeignGovernmentOfficials . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . , . . 

StateandLocalGovernment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Ecclesiastical Organizations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Roman Catholic Church. . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Protestant Episcopal Church, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Clergy of Other Denominations. . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . 

Educational Institutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Other Addressees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

E-3 

E-3 

E-4 

E-5 

E-5 

E-5 

E-6 

E-7 

E-9 

E-9 

E-10 

E-10 

E-n 

E-n 

E-12 

E-12 

E-13 

E-14 

E-14 

E-15 

Annex F. Attire Guidance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .F-l 

Very Formal Occasions (White Tie) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-1 

Formal Occasions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. F-l 

Ceremonial Occasions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. F-l 

Informal Occasions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. F-l 

Casual Occasions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. F-2 

Miscellaneous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. F-2 

Annex G. Table of Service Equivalent Uniforms . . . . . . . , . . . . . G-1 

Annex H. Guidelines for Planning a Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-1 

Annex I. Guidelines for Change of Command Ceremonies . . . . . . . . . . I-1 

Dateand Times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...1-1 

Invitations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I-1 

Change of Command Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I-1 

Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...1-2 

Participation of Seniors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I-2 

Bands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1-2 

Rehearsal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...1-2 

Foul Weather Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...1-3 

Change of Command Notice . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . 1-3 

Informing Nearby Ships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1-3 

Traffic Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1-3 

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Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1-3 

Ushers/Usherettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. I-3 

The Ceremonial Area..... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...1-4 

The Ceremony . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...1-4 

Sample Checklist for Project Officers , . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . I-6 

Responsibilities of Ushers/Usherettes and Escorts . . . . . . . . . . . . . I- 10 

Ushers/Usherettes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . 1-10 

Escorts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ., ...1-11 

Lessons Learned and Potential Hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12 

Annex J. Flags, Pennants, Honors, Ceremonies and Customs (U.S. Navy Regulations) 

General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. J-l 

1201 –Authority for Dispensing with Honors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J-1 

1202 – Honors Restricted to Recognized Governments . . . . . . . . . . . . . J- 1 

1203 – International Honors Modified by Agreement . , . . . . . . . , . . . . J-1 

Honors to National Anthems and National Ensigns. . . . . . . . . . . . . J- 1 

1204– Manner of Playing National Anthem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J-1 

1205 – Procedure During Playing of National Anthem . . . . . . . . . . . . . J- 1 

1206– Morning and Evening Colors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J-2 

1207 –Salutes tothe National Ensign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J-3 

1208–’’Hail tothe Chief’’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. J-3 

Hand Salutes and Other Marks of Respect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J-4 

1209– Exchange of Hand Salutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J-4 

1210 – Occasions for Rendering Hand Salutes , , . . . . . . . . . . . , . . J-4 

1211– Other Marks of Respect. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J-5 

Gun Salutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. J-5 

1212– Saluting Ships and Stations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . J-5 

1213 – Gun Salutes to the Flag of the President or the Secretary of State . . . . . . . . J-5 

1214 – Gun Salutes to the Flag of the Secretary of Defense, Deputy Secretary of Defense, the 

Secretary of the Navy, and Under Secretary of Defense, and Assistant Secretary of Defense, 

the General Counsel of the Department of Defense, the Under Secretary of the Navy 

or an Assistant Secretary of the Navy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J-tj 

1215– Gun Salutes toa Foreign Nation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J-6 

1216 – Returning Salute to the Nation Fired by Foreign Warship. . . . . . . . . . . J-6 

1217 – Gun Salutes to the Flag of a Foreign President, Sovereign or Member of a 

Reigning Royal Family. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J-7 

1218 – Gun Salutes when Several Heads of State are Present . . . . . . . . . . . . J-7 

1219 – Authority to Fire Gun Salutes to Officers in the United States Naval Service . . . . . J-7 

1220 – Gun Salutes to the Senior Officer Present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J-7 

1221 – Gun Salutes to Foreign Flag Officers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J-8 

1222– Notification of Gun Salute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J-8 

1223– Procedure During a Gun Salute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J-8 

1224 – Inability to Render or Return a Gun Salute. . . . . . , . . . . . . . . J-9 

1225– Returning a Gun Salute... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. J-9 

1226– Restrictions on Gun Salutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J-9 

vii 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

Passing Honors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. J-10 

1227 – “Passing Honors” and “Close Aboard” Defined . . . . . . . . . . . . . J- 10 

1228– Passing Honors Between Ships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J-10 

1229 – Passing Honors to Officials and Officers Embarked in Boats . . . . . . . . . . J- 11 

1230 – Passing Honors to Foreign Dignitaries and Warships . . . . . . . . . . . . J- 11 

1231 – Sequence in Rendering Passing Honors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J-1 1 

1232– Dispensing with Passing Honors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J-n 

1233 – Crew at Quarters on Entering or Leaving Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . J-1 1 

Official Visits and Calls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J-12 

1234–Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J-12 

1235 – Tables of Honors for Official Visits of United States Officers . . . . . . . . . J-12 

1236 – Tables of Honors for Official Visits of United States Civil Officials . . . . . . . . J-12 

1237 – Tables of Honors for Ofiicial Visits of Foreign Officials and Officers . . . . . . . J-12 

1238 – Table of Precedence of Diplomatic and Consular Representatives . . . . . . . . J-12 

1239 – Official Visits to the President and to Civil Officials of the Department of Defense . . . J-12 

1240 – Official Visits and Calls Among Officers of the Naval Service . . . . . . . . . J-12 

1241 – Official Visits or Calls Between Officers of the Naval Service and Other Armed Services . . J-13 

1242 – Official Visits with United States Diplomatic and Consular Representatives . . . . . J-13 

1243 – Official Visits with Governors of United States Territories, Commonwealths and 

Possessions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J-13 

1244 – Official Visits with Foreign Oflicials and Officers . . . . . . . . . . . . J- 14 

1245– Uniformfor OfficialVisits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J-15 

1246 – Honors on Departure for, or Return Fro~ an Official Visit . . . . . . . . . . J- 15 

1247– Procedure for Official Visits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J-15 

1248– Returning Official Visits and Calls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J-16 

1249– Side Honors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J-16 

1250–Dispensing with Side Boys and Guard and Band . . . . . . . . . . . . . J-17 

1251 –Uniformfor Members of the Marine Corps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J-17 

Formal Occasions Other Than Official Visits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J-1 7 

1252 – Honors to an Official Entitled to 19 or More Guns . . . . . . . . . . . . J-17 

1253 – Honors for a Flag or General Officer, or Unit Commruder, Assuming or Relieving Command J-17 

1254– Honors at Official Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J-18 

1255 – Honors for a Civil Official Taking Passage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J-1 8 

1256–Quarterdeck. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .J-18 

1257 – Musical Honors to the President of the United States . . . . . . . . . . . . J- 18 

Display of Flags and Pennants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J-18 

1258 – Authorized Display of Flags and Pennants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J-18 

1259 – Display of National Ensign, Union jack and Distinctive Mark fi-omShips and Crafi . . . J-19 

1260– National Ensign at Commands Ashore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J-19 

1261 – Display of National Ensign During Gun Salute . . . . . . . . . . . . . J-20 

1262 – Display of National Ensign in Boats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J-20 

1263– Dipping the National Ensign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J-20 

1264- Half-Masting the National Ensign and Union Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . J-20 

1265 – Following Motions of Senior Officer Present in Hoisting and Lowering the National Ensign . J-21 

1266 – Personal Flags and Pennants Afloat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J-2 1 

... 

Vlll 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun2001 

1267– Broad or Burgee Command Pennant . . . , . . . . . . . . . , . 

1268 – Display of More than One Personal Flag or Pennant Aboard Ship . . . . . . . 

1269 – Display of a Personal Flag or Command Pennant When a National Ensign is at Masthead . 

1270 – Personal Flags and Pemants Ashore . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . 

1271 – Personal Flag or Command Pennant, When Officer Temporarily Succeeded in Command . 

1272– Absence Indicators . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . , . . 

1273 – Personal Flags and Pennants of Officers in Boats, Automobiles and Aircraft . . . . 

1274 – Flags of Civil Ofticials in Boats, Automobiles and Aircraft . . . . . , . . . 

1275 – Bow Insignia and Flagstaff Insignia for Boats . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

1276 – Display of Foreign National Ensign During Gun Salute . . . . . . . . . . 

1277 – Display of National Ensigns of Two or More Nations . . . . . . . . . . . 

1278 – Choice of Foreign Flag or Ensign in Rendering Honors . . . . . . . . . . 

1279 – Dressing and Full-Dressing Ships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

1280– Senior Officer Afloat Pennant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Special Ceremonies, Anniversaries and Solemnities . . . . . . . . . . . 

1281 –Ships Passing Washington’s Tomb . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . 

1282 – Ships Passing USS ARIZONA Memorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

1283– National Holidays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

1284 – Ceremonies for National Holidays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

1285 – Foreign Participation in United States National Anniversaries and Solemnities . . . . 

1286 – Observance of Foreign Anniversaries and Solemnities . . . . . . . . . . 

Deaths and Funerals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

1287 – Death of a United States Civil Official . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

1288– Death ofa Person inthe Military Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

1289 – General Provisions Pertaining to Funerals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

1290– Funeral Escorts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

1291 – Display of Personal Flag, Command Pennant or Commission Pennant in Funerals . . . 

1292– Burial ina Foreign Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

1293 – Death of Diplomatic, Consular or Foreign Official . . . . . . . , . . . 

1294 – Transporting Body of Deceased Official , . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Tables 

Relative Rank and Precedence of Officers of Different Services . , . . . . , . . . 

Passing Honors Between Ships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Passing Honors to Officials and Officers Embarked in Boats . . . . . , . . . . . 

Honors for Official Visits of United States Officers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Honors and Ceremonies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Honors and Ceremonies/Administrative Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . , 

Honors for Official Visits of Foreign Officials and Officers . . . . . . . . . . . 

Precedence of Diplomatic and Consular Representatives . . . . . . . . . . . 

Display of National Ensign and Union Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Death of a United States Civil Official . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Death ofa Person inthe Military Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Funeral Escorts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , , . 

171O.7A 

J-22 

J-22 

J-22 

J-23 

J-23 

J-24 

J-24 

J-24 

J-25 

J-25 

J-25 

J-26 

J-26 

J-27 

J-27 

J-27 

J-27 

J-27 

J-28 

J-28 

J-28 

J-29 

J-29 

J-29 

J-30 

J-3 1 

J-3 1 

J-3 1 

J-3 1 

J-3 1 

J-32 

J-33 

J-34 

J-35 

J-36 

J-39 

J-40 

J-41 

J-42 

J-43 

J-45 

J-46 

ix 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

171O,7A 

Annex K. Funerals 

General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. K-l 

Duties of the Officer in Charge of the Ceremony . . . . . . . . . . . . . K-3 

Receiving the Remains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. K-4 

Procession . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. K-5 

Atthe Grave . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. K-6 

Memorial Service Honors, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .K-9 

Conduct of Funerals ll%en Military Personnel are Limited , . . . . . . . . . K-10 

Figures 

Figure 19-1 -Receiving the Remains from a Building . . . . . . . . . , . . . . K-n 

Figure 19-2- Entering Chapel; Leaving Chapel . . . . . , . . . , . . . . . K-12 

Figure 19-3- Receiving Remains at Cemetery Gates . . . . . . . . . . . . . , K- 13 

Figure 19-4- Order of March of Funeral Procession . . . . . . . . . . . . . . K- 14 

Figure 19-5- Receiving the Remains at the Burial Ground . . . . . , . . . . . . K-15 

Figure 19-6 -March tothe Grave . . . , . , . , . . . . . . . . . . . K-16 

Figure 19-7- A Distribution of Units at the Grave . . . . , . , . . . . . . . . K-17 

Figure 19-8 -Honor Guard.,.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. K-18 

Annex L. Sources of Etiquette and Protocol Information and Regulations . . . . L-1 

Annex M. Glossary of Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . M-1 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun2001 

171O.7A 

CHAPTER 1 

Official Entertainment 

Members of the naval service will find that at all points in their careers they can expect to 

be involved to some extent in the planning and execution c~fofficial ceremonies and social 

events. Protocol is a code of established guidelines on proper etiquette and precedence which, 

when followed, lays the foundation for a successfid event. 

From this foundation, the host should consider the facets which make a particular 

situation unique, and fi-om there, use imagination to design a memorable occasion. 

The most important consideration in planning should always be the comfort of one’s 

guests. A clever hostlhostess is able to reach a proper mixture of protocol and common sense 

that will enable guests to enjoy themselves completely. If this is accomplished, an event is truly 

successful. 

PRECEDENCE 

Precedence is defined as priority in place, time, or rank. In the government, military and 

diplomatic corps, precedence among individuals’ positions plays a substantial role. That is, in 

day-to-day business, ceremonial occasions, and social functions, we respect the office that the 

individual represents, by ranking that individual according to our perception of the importance of 

his/her position. 

Office position in the United States government is determined by election or appointment 

to office or promotion within the military structure. The relative importance of different 

positions is weighed, and even the date of the promotion’s establishment is frequently 

considered. 

Military rank constitutes a clear basis for determining seniority among military personnel. 

Comparable rank and the date of its attainment will decide the precedence among officers fi-om 

the different services, both United States and foreign. 

By custom, reserve officers are ranked with, but after active duty officers of that same 

grade. 

Retired officers are ranked similarly with their precedence following reserve officers of 

that same grade. 

Diplomatic precedence is the result of international agreement. The precedence of chiefs 

of missions rests upon the length of their service in that country. An ambassador who arrives is 

accredited in April and precedes another who arrives and is accredited in November of that same 

year. An ambassador will always precede a minister who hleads a legation. Below the post of 

Charge d’Affaires (the officer in charge of diplomatic business in the absence of the ambassador 

or minister), precedence is based upon the position of the mission, which in turn is determined by 

the ranking of its ambassador. For example, suppose the British Ambassador arrives and is 

accredited in April 1980. This becomes his/her date of precedence. When the Danish 

Ambassador arrives six months later and is accredited in October 1980, he/she succeeds the 

British Ambassador in precedence. Because in this case, the British Ambassador outranks the 

Danish Ambassador, the British First Secretary will outrank the Danish First Secretary. 

1-1 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun2001 

171O.7A 

Precedence does not always follow the individual. When the ambassador is on leave, or 

visiting his/her home country, he/she does not hold the same status as when “on post.” When an 

individual who was invited to attend a fi.mction is unable to go and sends a representative, the 

latter is not accorded the former’s place of precedence. 

We often consider precedence when we plan for seating at dinners, meetings or 

ceremonies. The list which follows gives general guidelines for determining precedence among 

civil officials and Department of Defense personnel. When individuals do not hold such official 

positions, consider their prominence within their own career areas. 

1, 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

60 

7. 

8. 

9. 

President 

a) Vice President 

b) Governor of a State (when in own state) according to each state’s entry into the 

union 

a) Speaker of the House 

b) Chief Justice of the Supreme Court 

c) Former Presidents of the United States 

d) American Ambassadors (when at post) 

Secretary of State 

a) Secretary General of the United Nations 

b) Ambassadors of foreign countries accredited to the United States (in order of the 

presentation of credentials) 

Widows of Former Presidents of the United States 

Ministers of foreign countries accredited to the United States (in order of presentation of 

credentials) 

a) Associate Justices of the Supreme Court (by date of appointment) 

b) Retired Chief Justices of the Supreme Court 

c) Retired Associate Justices of the Supreme Court 

The Cabinet (other than Secretary of State) 

a) 

b) 

c) 

d) 

e) 

9 

@ 

h) 

i) 

j) 

k) 

1) 

m) 

Secretary of the Treasury 

Secretary of Defense 

Attorney General 

Secretary of the Interior 

Secretary of Agriculture 

Secretary of Commerce 

Secretary of Labor 

Secretary of Health& Human Services 

Secretary of Housing& Urban Development 

Secretary of Transportation 

Secretary of Energy 

Secretary of Education 

Secretary of Veterans Affairs 

1-2 

Enclosure (1)

OPNAWNST 

15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

10. 

11. 

12. 

13. 

14. 

n) 

o) 

P) 

@ 

a) 

b) 

c) 

d) 

e) 

a) 

b) 

c) 

d) 

a) 

b) 

c) 

d) 

a) 

b) 

c) 

d) 

e) 

f) 

g) 

h) 

i) 

a) 

b) 

c) 

d) 

e) 

f) 

g) 

h) 

Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency 

Director, National Drug Control Policy 

Chief of Staff to the President 

Director, Central Intelligence Agency 

President Pro Tempore of the Senate 

Senators (by length of continuous service; when the same, arrange alphabetically) 

Governors of States (when outside own state – relative precedence determined by 

state’s date of admission to the union or alphabetically by state) 

Acting heads of executive departments (e.g., Acting SECDEF) 

Former Vice Presidents or their widows 

Members of the House of Representatives (by length of continuous service; when 

the same, arrange by state’s date of admission to the union or alphabetically by 

state) 

Delegates fi-om the District of Columbia, Guam, the Virgin Islands and American 

Samoa 

Governor of Puerto Rico 

Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs 

Charges d’Affaires of Foreign Powers 

Charges d’Affaires ad interim of Foreign Powers 

Former Secretaries of State 

Former Cabinet Members 

Deputies of Executive departments when number two official (e.g., 

DEPSECDEF) 

Deputy Director, Central Intelligence Agency 

Director, United States Arms Control and Disarmament Agency 

Under Secretaries of State and the Counselcm of the Department of State 

Under Secretaries of Executive Departments when third in rank (e.g., Under 

SECDEF) 

Ambassadors at Large 

Secretary of the Army 

Secretary of the Navy 

Secretary of the Air Force 

Chairman, JCS 

Retired CJCS 

Vice Chairman, JCS 

Chief of Staff of the Army (by date of appointment) 

Chief of Naval Operations (by date of appointment) 

Chief of Staff of the Air Force (by date of appointment) 

Commandant of the Marine Corps (by date of appointment) 

Commandant of the Coast Guard 

1-3 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun2001 

171O.7A 

15, 

16. 

17. 

18. 

19. 

20. 

21. 

22. 

23. 

24. 

i) Lieutenant Governors 

j) Persons with Ambassadorial rank (foreign non-accredited) 

a) Director, Office of Personnel Management (OPM) 

b) Administrator, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 

c) Chairman, Nuclear Regulatory Commission 

American Ambassadors 

a) Ambassadors on state/official visits to Washington, D.C. 

b) Ambassadors on state/official visits to the IJnited States outside Washington, D.C. 

c) Ambassadors of career rank on duty in the lJnited States 

a) Chief Judges and Judges of the United States Court of Military Appeals 

b) Chief Judges and Judges of the United States Court of Veterans Appeals 

a) Governor of Guam 

b) Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands 

c) Mayors of major cities and the District of Columbia when in own city (>1 million 

residents) 

a) Acting Chief of Protocol when at The White House or accompanying The 

President on State and Official Visits 

b) Deputy Director, United States Arms Control and Disarmament Agency 

c) American Charges d’Affaires 

d) Assistant Secretaries, Counselors and Legal Advisors of Executive Departments 

(by date of appointment) 

e) Deputy Director, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) 

0 Deputy Director, Office of Personnel Management (OPM) 

g) Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) 

Deputy Assistants to the President 

a) American Ambassadors (designate, in the tJ.S. under normal orders, or on leave) 

Mayors of major cities when not in own city 

a) Under Secretary of the Army 

b) Under Secretary of the Navy 

c) Under Secretary of the Air Force 

d) Ministers of Career Rank (confirmed by the Senate) 

e) Acting Deputy Secretaries of Executive Departments 

o Acting Under Secretaries of Executive Departments 

a) Four-star military officers (Generals or Admirals) by date of rank; retired officers 

rank with, but afler, active of~cers 

b) Governor of American Samoa 

1-4 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

25. 

26. 

27. 

28. 

29. 

30. 

31. 

32. 

33. 

34. 

a) Assistant Secretary of the Army (by date of appointment) 

b) Assistant Secretary of the Navy (by date of appointment) (ASNS) 

c) Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (by date of appointment) 

d) Director, National Security Agency (NSA) 

e) Director, Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) 

a) Three-star military officers (LtGen and VADM) by date of rank; retired officers 

rank with, but after, active ofilcers 

b) General Counsels of military departments 

c) State Senators in their own states 

Former American Ambassadors in order of presentation of credentials at first post 

a) Acting Assistant Secretaries of Executive Departments 

b) Chief of Staff to the Vice President 

c) Assistant to the Vice President for National Security Affairs 

d) Director, Federal Emergency Management Agency 

a) Non-accredited ministers of foreign governments assigned to foreign diplomatic 

missions in Washington, D.C. (includes Deputy Chiefs of Missions) 

b) Special Assistants to the President 

a) Deputy Under Secretaries of Executive Departments (e.g., Deputy under 

SECDEF) 

b) Deputy Assistant Secretaries of Executive Departments (by date of appointment) 

c) Deputy Counsels of Executive Departments (by date of appointment) 

Consuls General of foreign powers (Legations) 

a) Two-star military officers (MajGen and RADM) by date of rank; retired officers 

rank with, but after, active officers 

b) Deputy Assistant Secretaries of military departments (by date of appointment) 

(e.g., DASNS) 

Chief Judges of lower federal courts 

One-star military officers (BrigGen and RDML) by date of rank; retired officers rank 

with, but after, active officers 

NOTES: 

1. Precedence list based on SECSTATE Precedence List provided by SECSTATE Protocol 

Office to N09BX on 3 October 1997. 

2. Order of precedence among civilians who previously held a precedence list position: 

The placement is based on tradition, social usage and courtesy. 

The person is ranked at his/her previous precedence position. When in company with 

the person who currently holds that position, the incumbent is senior followed by the 

1-5 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun2001 

171O.7A 

previous office holder. SECSTATE precedence list includes a position for former 

cabinet members. It does not include a place fix former service secretaries. A former 

SECNAV should be placed with, but junior to, the current SECNAV. 

3. Order of precedence among uniformed/ retired personnel: 

- Active 

- Reserve 

- Retired 

4. For precedence ranking, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretaries of the Navy (PDASNS) are 

ranked at the same level, but senior to Deputy Assistant Secretaries of the Navy (DASNS). 

5. The precedence list addresses mayors of large cities (i.e., population greater than 1 million or 

more), but does not address precedence ranking of mayors of smaller cities. This is the 

recommended precedence ranking of mayors when in their own cities and involved in official 

fimctions with other personages listed on the precedence list 

- Ranked at, but below a 4-star: mayors of cities with a population greater than 750 

thousand up to 1 million people. 

Ranked at, but below a 3-star: mayors of cities with a population from 500 to 750 

thousand people. 

Ranked at, but below a 2-star: mayors of cities with a population from 250 to 500 


Ranked at, but below a l-star: mayors of cities with a population from 100 to 250 


Precedence ranking of mayors of cities with a population less than 100 thousand 

people is situationally dependent. Precedence ranking would be at the O-5 / O-6 

level. 

6. When more than one Medal of Honor recipient is present at an event, it is requested by the 

Congressional Medal of Honor Society and the recipients themselves that they NOT be 

arranged by rank. Precedence maybe alphabetically, by war, by action date, by birthplace, 

by state, by age – almost any arrangement is correct except that of rank. (The recipients 

themselves feel that none “outranks” the others and therefore they should be treated equally.) 

7. Senior Enlisted Service Representatives (SMA, SGMMC, MCPON, CMSAF, etc.) are 

typically afforded precedence equal to that of a three-star officer and are placed somewhere 

midway between the senior and junior generallflag officer present. This is not an exact rule, 

but one which can used to arrive at the proper placement for most situations. 

8. Foreign attach6s who are accredited to the Department of the Navy are assigned relative 

precedence in accordance with several factors. Initially, each attach6’s position is considered 

with all principal attach6s taking precedence over assistant attach6s. The next determinant is 

the officer’s grade, which is equated with a U.S. Navy rank. Then, the final consideration for 

officers within the same grade is the date of their official accreditation to the Department of 

the Navy. When an officer is promoted after accreditation has been completed, his/her date 

of precedence at his/her new rank is that of his/her date of rank. Assistant attach6s take 

precedence among themselves in a manner similar to the principal attach6s. 

1-6 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

CHAPTER 2 

Invitations 

Invitations vary in style and format depending upon the type of occasion for which they 

are issued. The broad categories of formal and informal occasions will be used in this 

discussion. 

Formal. A formal occasion might include an official ceremony, any type of reception, 

official luncheons or dinners, dances or weddings. In these situations, a formal invitation is most 

appropriate. 

Formal invitations are generally in one of the following forms: 

1. Fully engravedl 

2. Semi-engraved 

3. Computer generated 

4. Handwritten 

5. A phone call followed by a “To remind” card 

In any of these five types of invitations, use the following standard format as a guide: 

Vice Admiral and Mrs. Paul Anthony Connell~ 

request the pleasure of the cctmpany of 

Rear Admiral and Mrs. Cem# 

at a reception4 

in honor of the Chief of Naval Operations and Mrs. Smiths 

on Saturday, the first of May 

at seven o ‘clockG 

Bethesda Naval Medical Center Officers’ Club7 

R. S.V.P.g Military Service Dress White9 

(703) 695-5333 Civilian: Informal 

1The expression“engraved”is usedhereinfor simplicity.[t is intendedto be synonymous with other modes of printing such as 

thermography, or raised print, which is a very acceptable substitute. 

2 Use of complete names of hosts: if for very senior officials, the position, title, and spouse’s name; e.g., The Secretary of the 

Navy and Mrs. Claytor. 

3 Lines 2 and 3 maybe combined to read simply, request the pleasure of your company. 

4 Indicate the type of function as: at dinner, at cocktails, at a buffet-dinner, etc. 

5 The “in honor of’ phrase may also properly be the first line of an engraved invitation, or the last line. 

6 Figures are never used in a formal invitation; the day and month are capitalized. The following examples of time indications 

are also correct: 

“tlom six to eight o’clock” 

:. “at half past six o’clock” 

c. “at half after six o’clock” 

d. from six-thirty to eight-thirty o’clock” (used only when two half hour periods must be shown and space is limited) 

7 Speci& . . the location of the function. If a residence is involved, the address maybe reflected 

instead in the lower right corner. 

8 If it is desired that a written response be made, to a place other than the site of the function, 

indicate the mailing address here. 

9 Specify an attire which is appropriate to the type of function and the hour. 

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15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

The following rules apply to the preparation of formal invitations: 

1. Corps and service designations and retired status are never reflected on invitations 

extended by or to husband and wife. 

2. The phrase “honor of the company” is considered to be more formal than “pleasure of 

the company.” The former should be used on invitations to Ambassadors and others of 

comparable rank. 

3. The date and hour of the event as well as ranks, titles, and names should always be 

spelled out in full. Permissible abbreviations include ‘!Mr,,“ “Mrs.,” and “R.S.V.P.” In addition 

it is permissible to use an individual’s initials if this is his or her preferred format. If the party is 

in honor of someone or some occasion, this maybe indicated as “in honor of.. .,” “to meet . . .,“ or 

“to introduce,. .“ as appropriate to the occasion. This is generally on the top of the card or 

underneath the line specifjhg the type of function to be held. 

4. When the hosthostess has a personal flag, seal,, crest, or insignia, this maybe used on 

the invitation as appropriate. 

5. The appropriate attire should always be clearly specified in the bottom right hand 

corner of the invitation; e.g., “Uniform: Black Tie” or “Civilian Informal.” (See Annex F for 

guidance on attire.) 

6. It is most appropriate for all invitations to be written in longhand and black ink. 

7. In addressing envelopes spell out in full rank and name (e.g., Lieutenant Commander 

and Mrs. Timothy Daniel Johnson). 

8. Invitations are inserted engraving up, top of card appearing at the top of the envelope, 

so that they maybe easily read as they are withdrawn from the envelope. 

9. Formal invitations should be mailed at least three to four weeks in advance of the 

planned activity. 

FulZy Engraved Invitations. These are the most formal and expensive invitations. They 

usually bear the crest of the host or hostess. 

When issued by the Secretary of State or a U.S. Ambassador, invitations bear the Great 

Seal of the Secretary of State. Similarly, a replica of a Flag Officer’s personal flag may be 

centered at the top or placed in the upper left comer of invitations. Navy commanding officers 

of shore-based activities, squadrons and flotilla commanders, naval attach6s, naval liaison 

officers, and chiefs of naval missions or other diplomatic duty missions who wish to use an 

insignia on their invitations, may use the gold officer’s crest. Official seals and other insignia in 

gold or color are often used on invitations for public cerem~onies such as inaugurations, 

dedications, commencements, ship christenings and commissioning. Individuals sometimes 

have the family crest or coat of arms embossed without color at the top of wedding or other 

important invitations. 

2-2 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

Fully Engraved 

Invitation: 

rb .,, 

a.z2Y&?wa4a4z“ a@i?%Awawue ,, 

“Z?ud %ku&?4U2000 

““.’* 

* 

Wedding Invitations. Wedding invitations as a type of formal invitation are generally 

fully engraved. There are a multitude of styles and colors (ofpaper available to the bride for 

wedding invitations and the standard plain white card is nc~longer a must. 

The following examples are suitable formats: 

Commander and Mrs. Joseph Brian Connelly 

request the honor of your presence 

at the marriage of their daughter 

Margaret Louise 

to 

Paul Anthony Jones, Junior 

Lieutenant Junior Grade, United States Navy 

Saturday, the seventh of January 

at eleven o’clock 

Holy Cross Church 

Washington, District of Collumbia 

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15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

If the bride is a member of the Armed Forces, it may be shown as: 

Margaret Louise1° 

Lieutenant, United States Navy 

If the parents of the bride are deceased, invitations maybe issued by a close, older 

relative: 

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith 


at the marriage of their granddaughter 

Margaret Louise Connelly 

If the bride’s father is deceased or divorced and her mother is remarried: 

Mrs. William Greerl 

requests the honor of your presence 

at the marriage of her daughter 


Captain and Mrs. William Green 


at the marriage of her daughter 


If the bride’s mother is deceased and her father is remarried: 

If the bride is a young widow: 



at the marriage of his daughterl 1 

Margaret Louise 



at the marriage of their daughter 

Margaret Connelly Jon[es 

1°If eitherthe bride or the groom’srank is that of Commanderor LieutenantColonelor senior,it is properlyshownwith the rank 

precedingthe name: 

CommanderPeter DavidJones, Junior 

United States Navy 

Those of the rank Lieutenant Commander or Major and below use the following format: 

Elizabeth Eileen Smith 

Lieutenant, United States Navy 

*1“Their” maybe substituted for “his” provided the relationship between daughter and stepmother is a close one. 

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15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

Invitations to church weddings customarily do not request a reply. “R.S.V.P.” is included 

on the invitations to receptions which appear as: 

R.S.V.P. 

700 Idaho Street, Northwest 

Washington, District of Columbia 20320 

or 

Reception 

immediately following the ceremony 

The Naval Officers’ Club 

Bethesda, Marylanci 

Commander and Mrs. Joseph B1ian Connelly 

request the pleasure of your company 

at the reception 

following the ceremony 

700 Idaho Street, Northwest 

Washington, District of Ccdumbia 

R.S.V.P. 

If everyone invited to attend the ceremony is also invited to attend the reception, 

add the following to the basic wedding invitation: 

simply 

and afterwards at the reception 

Army-Navy Country Club 

Arlington, Virginia 

When double envelopes are used, the outer one should have the full name and address of 

the invited guests handwritten in ink; and the inner one, the guests’ courtesy titles and surnames 

only (Mr. and Mrs. Brown; Rear Admiral and Mrs. Symthe; Commander Black). The inside 

envelope is placed within the outer envelope in such a manner that the writing on the former 

faces the back of the latter so that it will be on top when the outer envelope is opened. 

Semi-engraved Invitations. Partially engraved cards, adaptable to any date or occasion 

are appropriate for receptions, dinners, luncheons, cocktails, etc. Less costly than the invitations 

which are engraved for each function, they are widely used by those who entertain often. 

All information to be added to the semi-engraved invitation should be handwritten in the 

color ink of the engraving, preferably black. 

Guests of honor are designated by writing the appropriate phrase above the names of the 

hosts or below the time on all invitations except that intencled for the honored party. 

2-5 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

71O.7A 

Semi-engravedInvitation 

to a Reception 

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2-6 

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15 Jun2001 

171O.7A 

Semi-engraved Invitation to Cocktails 

1 

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$9-% 

d MwufLhJwiLruba’dk4 I ‘ 

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%’,s.?P 

(703)695-O@OO L.h.A.& - 

2-7 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

Semi-engraved Invitation to a Luncheon in Honor of Someone 

I 

2, S.v. P, 

d kkmmkidw ‘& 

E!$LiQm 

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(703)695-0000 Giilim3Y$smfa 

I 

2-8 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

Semi-engraved Invitation to a Dinner in Honor of Someone 

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2-9 

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15 Jun2001 

171O.7A 

Semi-engraved Invitation to Dinner 

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(703)695-0000 

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2-1o 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

Semi-engraved Invitation to Two Married Naval OYj$cers 

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. . ..- - ,,. -.. .- - -—— -.,. . 

For additional information on addressing women with official positions, see Chapter 12, < 

“Forms of Address.” 

2-11 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

Computer-generated Invitations. Computer-generated invitations are every bit as 

attractive and impressive as an invitation produced by a printer. Just keep in mind the time and 

cost factors when determining whether to “do them yourself’ or send them to a printer. 

Handwritten Invitations. Fofial invitations maybe written entirely by hand on any 

formal writing paper, preferably white, in the standard wording and format. White 

correspondence cards, 4 by 5 inches in size, often topped with the flag officer’s insignia or 

officer’s crest are most often used. 

R.5.V. P. 

L’lo3)bw+oooa 

ci.MionanpmnQ 

.- 

., 

Telephone Invitations and “To remind” Cards. It is quite correct to issue formal 

invitations by telephone. The host or hostess may call, or hlave someone call. In military circles, 

an aide often calls for his or her superior. In tendering telephone invitations, give the same 

complete information regarding the event as is provided in a written invitation. 

An appropriate phrasing of a telephone invitation by the military aide would be: 

“This is Lieutenant Ray, aide to Vice Admiral Orion. Vice Admiral and Mrs. Thomas 

Orion would like to extend an invitation to Mr. and Mrs. Jefferson for dinner on Saturday, the 

eighteenth of March at eight o’clock. The dinner will be at their residence, Quarters F, and the 

attire is Civilian Informal. Will you R. S.V.P.? My telephone number is 456-7377.” 

2-12 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

A telephone invitation is generally followed by a “To remind” card to those guests who 

accept the invitation. The format is identical to any other written invitation except “To remind” 

is written in the lower left hand comer in place of R.S.V.P. It is permissible to cross out the 

R.S.V.P. if already printed on the card and to write in “To remind.” 

A “To remind” 

Card for a Reception 

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2-13 

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15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

A “TO remind” 

card for a Luncheon 

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Informal Invitations. Invitations for informal occasions, such as unofficial luncheons, 

dinners, cocktail parties, buffet dinners, etc., may be issued by telephone or in writing. A 

telephone call may be followed by a written “To remind” card but this is not essential. 

Invitations may be written on informal cards (infom~als) or on a variety of invitations 

available for specific occasions in stationary stores. In addition, a short, personal note fi-om the 

host or hostess is appropriate. 

Informal Cards. Fold-over cards or “informal,” measuring approximately 5 by 3% 

inches, are made of smooth, heavy paper in white or cream, and have matching envelopes. The 

name is centered on the outside. The invitation maybe written on the inside, or on the outside 

above and/or below the name. It is correct for the informal cards of a very senior officer such as 

a three or four-star admiral to bear only his grade and surname. A rear admiral’s card usually 

shows his full name, as do those of less senior officers. 

2-14 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun2001 

171O.7A 

Informal Invitation on a Folded Informal Card 

MRS. JOHN PAUL JONIES 

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Enclosure (1)

OPNAVINST 17 10.7A 

15 Jun2001 

RECALLING 

INVITATIONS 

It is considered more gracious to postpone than to cancel an invitation. When formal 

invitations have to be recalled due to unavoidable circumstances, printed forms are generally 

used to notify guests. In those instances when time is very short, telephone notifications are a 

necessity. 

Sample of a Card for Recalling an Invitation 

Owing to official mourning for 

The late King Paul of Greece 

The Ambassador of Norway and Mrs. Eagen 

are obliged to recall theilr invitation 

to a Reception 

on Wednesday, the sixteenth of March 

RESPONDING 

TO INVITATIONS 

Every attempt should be made to respond to an invitation promptly out of consideration 

for the hostess or host who must make arrangements on the basis of the number attending and 

invite others in the case of a regret. Replies to brunches, luncheons, and dinners should be made 

within 24 hours. 

Generally, a telephone number for R. S.V.P.S is provided on the card. Occasionally, an 

address for R. S.V.P.S is given, in which case a short note is appropriate. For very formal or 

large-scale fimctions, R.S.V.P. cards are enclosed which the guest fills out and returns. 

If a R.S.V.P. has been requested, it is discourteous to wait until within a few days of the 

event before responding, or worse, not to respond at all. 

2-16 

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15 Jun2001 

171O.7A 

WITHDRAWING 

ACCEPTANCES 

Since an invitation to the White House supersedes any other social engagement, a guest 

who has already accepted an invitation for the same date must write or telephone the host/hostess 

immediately and withdraw from the first engagement. 

Official duties necessarily take precedence over social engagements; however, a later 

invitation cannot properly be used to escape one already accepted unless the second is official. 

The only unofficial yet legitimate reasons for withdrawing an acceptance would be severe 

illness, unforeseen but mandatory absence from the city, or the recent death of a close relative, 

Withdrawing a Previously Accepted Invitation 

Admiral and Mrs. David Peter Black 

regret that owing to the illness of Mrs. Black 

they must withdraw fi-clm 

Mr. and Mrs. White’s dinner 

on the first of July 

Admiral and Mrs. David Peter Black 

regret that because of an invitation 

to the White House 

they must withdraw from 

Mr. and Mrs. White’s dinner 

on the first of July 

2-17 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

CHAPTER 3 

Seating Arrangements 

The seating arrangements of any type of function are very important. The host and 

hostess who take care to ensure a proper balance of protocc)l and cominon sense will find their 

event to be more enjoyable and therefore more successful. 

The first step in preparing a seating arrangement should be to consider the type of 

function as well as the guests involved. 

If one were to host a formal dinner inviting high-ranking guests of similar backgrounds 

who know one another very well, then strictly adhering to the rule of seating by rank would be 

easy. Such a situation is more the exception than the rule, however. Usually a guest list includes 

persons of varying ranks, career backgrounds, and nationalities. The primary concern should be 

to ensure that guests enjoy themselves. Therefore, bear in mind the importance of seating by 

rank to an extent, but also mix the group a bit so as to create an environment for interesting and 

enjoyable conversation. 

The following discussion deals with the rules of seating guests by rank. Use these rules 

coupled with the nature and purpose of the individual fimction to determine seating of guests. 

The place of honor is to the right of the host if the guest is a woman, and to the right of 

the hostess if the guest is a man. Generally, when the event involves both men and women, 

guests are seated alternating man and woman. This would place the ranking man to the right of 

the hostess and the ranking woman to the right of the host. Guests are then seated alternating left 

to right from the host and hostess after the honored guest is seated. As far as knowing who ranks 

whom, refer to the precedence list in Chapter 1 for guidance. 

Generally the guest of honor is also the highest-ranking person. Occasionally, there will 

be other guests who outrank the guest of honor. When this occurs, elect one of the following 

courses of action by considering the personalities and the particular situation involved. 

1. Place the guest of honor in the honored position making the ranking guest next in 

line. 

2. Seat the guests strictly according to protocol disregarding the fact that the guest of 

honor may be well down the table (used when there are many very high-ranking officials). 

3. Make the senior guest the co-host or co-hostess if it is an all-male or all-female event. 

Spouses who do not hold official positions themselves are seated according to the rank of 

their husbands/wives. It is often preferable to avoid seating husbands and wives together, but, 

once again, many situations are such that husbands and wives may be more comfortable if seated 

together. 

When seating a group of foreign officials among U. IS.officials, alternating them so as not 

to group them all together is recommended. 

An interpreter maybe required at a dinner for a foreign dignitary. The interpreter should 

sit close to the dignitary and the person for whom he/she is interpreting. The interpreter’s duties 

are so demanding that he/she will find it difficult to eat and interpret at the same time. 

SEATING 

DIAGRAMS 

rank: 

The following diagrams are to aid in visualizing how guests would be seated according to 

3-1 

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15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

USUAL MIXED DINNERS 

The most traditional arrangement calls for the host and hostess to sit at the two ends of 

the table (Plan la.): 

Plan la. – Host/hostess 

at ends of table 

Hostess 

Man 

Woman 

Man 

woman 

Man 

Woman 

1 2 

3 4 

5 

(14) 6 

6 5 

5 3 

2 1 

Man 

Woman 

Man 

Woman 

Man 

Woman 

L 

Host 

At larger official dinners/luncheons, the host and hostess may sit opposite one another at 

the center of the table (Plan lb.): 

Plan lb. – Host/hostess 

at mid-table 

Man 

8 7 

Man 

(5 Man)* 

Woman 

Man 

Woman 

Host 

Woman 

Man 

Woman 

Man 

6 5 

4 3 

2 1 

(18) 

1 2 

3 4 

5 6 

7 8 

Wornan (7 Woman)* 

Man 

Woman 

Hostess 

Man 

Woman 

Man (8 Woman)* 

Woman (6 Man)* 

*~s arrangement leads to placing a wornan on the end of the table on both sides. To avoid this, switch 

them with the man seated closest as shown or use the following alternate seating plan (Plan lc): 

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15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

Plan lc. – Two at each end of table 

Man 

Hostess 

woman 

3 

1 

2 Man 

Man 

5 

4 woman 

woman 

7 

6 Man 

Man 

8 

(18) 8 woman 

Woman 

6 

7 Man 

Man 

4 

5 Wornan 

Woman 

2 

3 Man 

Host 

Woman 

1 

Another arrangement uses two tables (Plan ld. and le.): 

Plan Id. – Host/hostess at separate tables (number divisible by four) 

Hostess 

Man 

Man 

1 2 

Man 

woman 

7 

4 6 Wornan 

Woman 

3 (8) 5 

Woman 

Man 

3 (8) 5 Man 

Man 

5 4 

Man 

Woman 

2 1 Woman 

woman 

Host 

3-3 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun2001 

Plan le. – Host/hostess at separate tables 

nHostess 

Man 1 2. Man 

Woman 3 4 Wornan 

(lo) 

Man 7 5 Man 

u 

Woman 8 ~ 6 Wornan 

Man 

L 

Man 

3 

Woman 5 7 woman 

Man 8 (8) 6 Man 

Woman 2 1 woman 

Host 

MIXED DINNERS 

(Multiples of Four) 

Whenever the total number of guests equals any multiple of four and there is an equal 

number of men and women, the host and hostess cannot sit opposite each other without putting 

two men or two women together. To balance the table, the hostess simply moves one seat to the 

left, thereby putting her right-hand guest (guest of honor) opposite the host. See plan 2a. When 

one couple of such a group is unmarried, they maybe seated side-by-side, see plan 2b. A third 

plan often used by contemporary hostesses is that for the round table. See plan 2c. 

Plan 2a. – Multiples offour – all couples married 

Man 

Woman 

4 

1 

Hostess 

Man 

5 2 

Man 

Woman 

3 

(12) 5 

woman 

Man 

4 3 

Man 

woman 

2 1 

woman 

Host 

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15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

Plan 2b. – Multiples offour – one couple unmarried 

Man 

Woman 

3 

1 

Hostess 

Man 

5 2 

Man 

Woman 

5 (12) ~ 

Woman 

Man 

4 3 

Man 

Woman 

2 1 

Woman 

L 

Host 

Plan 2c. – Multiples offour – all couples married – round table 

Man 

Host 

MIXED DINNERS – AT HORSESHOE-SHAPED TABLE 

The simple horseshoe-shaped table which is sometimes used at large official banquets 

requires that the host and hostess sit with their honored guests on the outside of the curving 

center while other guests are seated in an alternating pattern along the sides. See plan 3a. Plan 

3b is an alternate occasionally seen at formal dinners. 

If places are set both within and without the curving ends, the inside seats begin at point x 

on plan 3a, with the seats inside but nearer the host ranking those further away on the outside. 

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15 Jun2001 

171O.7A 

Plan 3a. – Horseshoe-shaped 

table with couples 

Woman 

Man 

Host 

Woman 1 

2 1 

Hostess 

:~ Man 

Man 3 x 3 Woman 

woman 4 5 Woman* 

Man 5 4 Man* 

~) 

Plan 3b. – Alternate plan for horseshoe-shaped table with couples 

Ho tess H st 

Woman Man \ Man \ Woman Man Woman 

Man 

Woman 

Man 

Woman 

Woman* 

Man* 

Man 

woman 

Man 

Woman 

Woman* 

Man* 

* Arrangement avoids placing a woman at the end of the table. 

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Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

MIXED DINNERS 

- WITH SINGLE HOST/HOSTESS 

An unmarried hostlhostess, or one who is entertaining in the absence of his/her spouse 

may choose one of the following arrangements: 

Plan 4a. – Single host with co-host 

Man 

9 

6 

Man 

woman 

8 

5 

Woman 

Man 

5 

2 

Man 

Woman 

4 

1 

Woman 

Co-Host 

Host 

Woman 

2 

3 

Woman 

Man 

3 

4 

Man 

Woman 

6 

7 

Woman 

Man 

7 

8 

Man 

or Plan 4b. – Single hostess with co-hostess 

(8 Man)* Woman 

9 6 

Woman 

(5 Man)* 

(9 Woman)* Man 

8 5 

Man 

(6 Woman)* 

Woman 

5 2 

Woman 

Man 

4 1 

Man 

Co-Hostess 

Hostess 

Man 

2 3 

Man 

Woman 

3 4 

Woman 

(7 Woman)* Man 

6 7 

Man 

(8 Woman)* 

(6 Man)* Woman 

7 8 

Voman 

(7 Man)* 

* Arrangement avoids placing women at the ends of the table. 

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Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

Plan 4c. – No co-host/co-hostess; 

all married couples 

Woman 

Man 

2 

3 4 

Woman 

Man 

1 3 

Man 

Woman 

2 1 

woman 

Host 

or Plan 4d. 

Woman 

Man 

Man 

Woman 

Wornan 

Man 

Man 

Hostess 

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Enclosure (1)


15 Jun2001 

171O.7A 

Plan 4e. – No co-host/co-hostess; 

not all married couples 

woman 

Man 

2 

4 3 

Woman 

Man 

3 1 

Man 

woman 

2 1 

woman 

Host 

or Plan 4$: 

Woman 

Man 

Man 

Woman 

Woman 

Man 

Man 

Hostess 

3-9 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

ALL MALE / ALL FEMALE 

LUNCHEONS AND DINNERS 

For all-male or all-female events, it is often desirable to designate a co-host/co-hostess. 

Plan 5a. – With co-host/co-hostess 

16 13 

12 9 

8 5 

4 1 

(Co-Hostess) 

Co-Host 

Host 

(Hostess) 

2 3 

6 7 

10 11 

14 15 

3-1o 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun2001 

171O.7A 

Plan 5b. – Without co-host/co-hostess 

Host (Hostess) 

1 2 

3 4 

5 6 

7 8 

9 10 

11 12 

13 

HEAD TABLES 

Seating arrangements for head tables cause great concern and require special treatment. 

There are head tables required for all-male or all-female affairs, or for mixed groups, with and 

without speakers, with and without club officers, etc. 

In seating a low-ranking toastmaster and guest speakers at an all-male or all-female 

luncheon or dinner, the hostihostess must use judgment in placing them as near the center of the 

table as possible without violating precedence too much. The main speaker or a guest of honor 

who is outranked by others present should not be seated in seat 1; however, it is proper to place 

him/her to the left of the host/hostess in seat 2, if appropriate, or seat 3. See Plan 6a. 

When both official and very important unofficial guests are present, distinguished 

civilians who represent significant civic or philanthropic organizations may be seated between 

the guests of official rank after the guest of honor and second official guest are seated. See Plan 

6b. 

3-11 

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15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

Often it is necessary to seat couples at a head table. Plan 6d provides for this 

circumstance. 

Plan 6a. – With low-ranking 

toastmaster 

5 

3 

1 

(7) 

Host or Chairman (Hostess or Chairwoman) 

2 

4 

Toastmaster 

6 

Plan 6b. – With important oficial and civilian guests 

7 

5 

3 

1 

Air Force General 

U.S. Representative to the United Nations 

Civic Leader 

Former President 

(9) 

Host 

(Hostess) 

2 

4 

6 

8 

Foreign Ambassador 

Red Cross Official 

Congressman 

Protestant Bishop 

3-12 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun2001 

Plan 6c. – With guests and club oficers 

Club Officer 

Guest 5 

Club Secretary 

Guest 3 

Honora~ President 

Guest 1 

(13) 

President 

Guest 2 

Club Vice President 

Guest 4 

Club Treasurer 

Guest 6 

Club Officer 

Plan 6d. – With couples 

5 

4 

3 

1 

Man 

Woman 

Man 

wornan 

Host 

(12) 2 

1 

Woman 

Man 

Hostess 

2 

3 

5 

4 

Man 

wornan - 

Woman* 

Man* 

*Arrangement avoids placing a woman at the end of the table. 

3-13 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

CHAPTER 4 

Formal Dining 

Formal entertaining is no longer commonplace on the American scene, partly because of 

the trend toward informality in living and partly because o~fthe requirement for a well-trained 

staff and expensive table appointments. For the average Navy family, informal dinners are far 

more usual. Flag officers and service representatives abroad are often involved, however, in 

hosting seated dinners. When such official occasions warrant the traditional formality of the 

past, details of absolutely correct service, table settings, and menus are available in general 

etiquette books. A few basic guidelines are summarized here for those who find themselves 

entertaining formally, 

GENERAL 

GUIDELINES 

Formal entertaining is usually intended to honor a special guest as well as to extend 

hospitality. Guests are seated according to rank as illustrated in Chapter 3. 

Formal dinners generally commence at 8 p.m. or 8:30 p.m. The attire should be specified 

on the invitation. Generally, this is black tie and occasionally white tie. For black tie, ladies 

generally wear ankle length dinner dresses of wool, velvet, cotton or silk; for white tie occasions, 

they wear floor length evening gowns of dressier material and design. Current fashion may 

sometimes dictate that dinner and evening dresses may be short. 

The President rarely dines out except at official banquets, or with members of his 

Cabinet. Then he and his wife are met at the front door by the host and hostess and escorted to 

the drawing room. Other guests arrive approximately 15 minutes earlier, so they maybe 

assembled when the President arrives. The host and hostess may relinquish their places at the , 

table to the President and his wife, and move one seat to the left of their normal positions, or the 

President may choose to sit in the usual guest of honor seat and have his wife placed on the 

host’s right. When an invitation to dinner is to be extended. to the President, a proposed guest 

list, seating plan, and details on other arrangements should be submitted to the White House for 

approval before any invitations are tendered. 

Occasionally, a U.S. Navy host maybe required to entertain royalty, a head of state, or 

the members of a ruling family, either on board ship or ashore. One must carefully comply with 

the guidelines which are set forth above concerning presidential guests and with protocol 

expectations that are conveyed by the Department of State and the representatives of such 

prospective visitors. 

DINNER 

PARTNERS 

At large, formal dinners each man is provided with the name of his dinner partner whom 

he is to escort to her place at the table. Normally, he takes in the woman who will sit on his 

right. 

There are several procedures for acquainting men with the names of their dinner partners. 

The simplest method and that used for a small dinner is to have the hostess announce who is to 

be seated next to whom. 

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15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

At a larger affair, each man will find on a silver tray, often placed in the entrance hall, a 

small envelope bearing his name and reflecting the name of his dinner partner on an enclosed 

card. Near this tray of name cards there is generally a leather, table-shaped diagram of the 

location of each guest’s seat at the table. 

Name Cards 

RenJ-L-&mQAJ 

-mm.%QhABlb 

Seating Diagram – Rectangular Table 

4-2 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

Seating Diagram – Round Table 

A third alternative observed at large dinners involves the use of a small folded card with 

the man’s name on the outside and his partner’s name inside, together with a small diagram 

showing their positions at the table. These will be found in the entrance hall, or sometimes in the 

room where cocktails are served. 

Each man must ascertain who his dinner partner is in sufficient time to be introduced 

before taking her into dinner. It is the function of the host to ensure that each man knows or is 

presented to his dinner partner. At large official dinners, aides make the necessary introductions. 

The host, leading the way into the dining room with the ranking lady, seats her to his 

right. The other paired guests follow and the hostess enters last with the ranking man. This 

order also applies when an ambassador is the guest of honor. In the exceptional circumstance of 

the presence of the President, another chief of-state, a member of royalty~or a governor within 

his own State, the hostess goes into dinner with the guest of honor first, and host follows 

immediately with the wife ‘of the ranking official. 

‘Scortca- 

. 

MNiLNIQM.n~ 

m. s 

w 

I 

4-3 

. ------------?---- “ 

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15 Jun2001 

171O.7A 

PLACE 

CARDS 

Heavy, white, rectangular cards with gold beveled edges, and sometimes an official seal 

or flag are often used as place cards, although rectangular fold-over cards and rectangular sidetabbed 

cards are also popular. A flag officer’s personal flag, a commission pennant, the seal of a 

ship or of an Embassy, or a personal crest maybe embossed or stamped in the upper left comer 

or top center of the card. 

The place card is intended to locate the individual at table and to inform dinner 

companions of his identity. The courtesy title and surname are used (Admiral Brown, Mrs. 

Brown, Dr. Smith) except for very senior officials for some of whom the position title is proper, 

and for others their position title and surname. Consult Chapter 12 for guidance regarding senior 

officials’ names on place cards. At a private dinner, it is permissible and more personal to use 

the courtesy title and surname of senior officials, or their title and surname rather than the title 

alone. Thus “Admiral Hayward” would be written for the Chief of Naval Operations; and 

“Ambassador Donlon” for the Ambassador of Ireland. 

.. 

. 

% 

b. < * $ T1-hd!Qn$.iw 

4-4 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

I.h!QMmindLWMQIU.& 

m-h 

I 

-% .“’” — 

4-5 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun2001 

171O.7A 

MENU 

CARDS 

Menu cards are sometimes used for official luncheons or dinners, dining-ins, formal 

farewell or welcoming parties for high ranking officials. The standard generally found in a flag 

officer’s mess is a heavy white card about 4 x 6 inches with a gold beveled edge. It is usually 

decorated with the admiral’s flag at the center top and the name of his/her command. 

On Navy ships such menus are printed, embossed cmhandwritten in English. Each line is 

centered on the card and only one dish is included on a line. Appetizers, rolls, relishes, candy, 

and coffee do not appear on the formal menu. 

In the flag mess, one menu is placed before the host and others between every second or 

third guest. 

Sample Menu Card 

rB ... 

,, 

““.* 

* 

CHIEF OF NAVAL 

OPERATIONS 

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%#i?d %teA?d4ad 

v+* 

#iaca4cwd@c#fd 

s@zqq4w 

.. w 

“ Sdkd 

M- 

@nO ‘. Dliuiffl 33CW$(4554?) 

W%&w!uf. 2!7%?&&2m 

4-6 

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15 Jun2001 

171O.7A 

CONVERSATION 

AT TABLE 

“Turning the table” is an outdated practice whereby all guests were obliged to follow 

simultaneously the lead of the hostess in shifting conversational attention from the guest on the 

right to the one on the left. Today, a person seated at a reasonably narrow table is expected to 

talk with immediate dinner companions to the right and leil and also with those across the table. 

The considerate guest is alert to speak with all neighbors at the table, ending any exchange 

smoothly rather than at a signal from the hostess, and engaging anyone not already involved in a 

conversation. 

SMOKING 

AT TABILE 

With the Navy’s current “smoke free” environment, it is inappropriate to bring one’s 

cigarettes to the table or smoke during/after the meal. 

ORDER 

OF DEPARTURE 

The ranking lady must make the initial move to depart. Generally, she should leave a 

formal dinner within an hour of its conclusion, and allow perhaps a bit longer at an informal one, 

if she so desires. After her departure, the other guests may follow without any further regard for 

precedence. 

THANK 

YOU NOTES 

A thoughtful guest will always write a thank you note to the hostihostess who has 

entertained him. It is also thoughtful to send flowers or a gift for very special occasions. 

It is generally not necessary to write a thank you note for large scale official functions, 

such as a reception to which hundreds have been invited. 

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15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

CHAPTER 5 

Toasting 

Toasting is a means of expressing good will towarcl others on a social occasion. It may 

take place at receptions, dinners, dining-ins or wetting-down parties. 

Toasting originated with the English custom of flavoring wine with a piece of browned 

and spiced toast. In 1709 Sir Richard Steels wrote of a lady whose name was supposed to flavor 

wine liked spiced toast. Thus evolved the notion that the individual or institution honored with a 

toast would add a flavor to the wine. 

Today we honor individuals and/or institutions by raising our glasses in a salute while 

expressing good wishes and drinking to that salute. Etiquette calls for all to participate in a toast. 

Even nondrinkers should at least raise the glass to their lips. 

Those offering a toast, men or women, should stand, raise their glass in a salute while 

uttering the expression of good will. Meanwhile, the individual(s) being toasted should remain 

seated, nod in acknowledgment, and refrain fi-om drinking to one’s own toast. Later, they may 

stand, thank the others, and offer a toast in return. 

The one who initiates the toasting is the host at a very formal occasion, Mr. 

Vice/Madame Vice at a dining-in, or any guest when the occasion is very informal. The subject 

of the toast is always dependent upon the type of occasion. General toasts would be “To your 

health,” or to “Success and happiness,” while special occasions such as weddings and birthday 

would require toasts more specific in nature such as “To Mary and John for a lifetime of 

happiness and love” in the case of a wedding, or on a birthday “May your next 25 years be as 

happy and successful as your first 25 years.” 

CEREMONIAL 

TOASTS 

When the formality of ceremonial toasts is to be observed on state occasions, the order 

and subject of all toasts should be arranged beforehand between the host arid his/her ranking 

foreign guest. The host initiates such toasts, during or after dessert wine is served. The 

experienced guest is always careful to leave enough champagne in his/her glass toward the end 

of the meal to be able to join in several toasts. 

A toast to a Chief of State is always drunk standing. The toast to the ruler of a country of 

a foreign guest of honor is always the first toast proposed on a state occasion. A few minutes 

after the guests have seated themselves again, the senior representative of the country honored 

rises and proposes a toast to the ruler of the host’s country. All guests rise again to drink this 

toast. 

These initial toasts may be followed by others to the countries or the services represented 

by the guests, and/or the guest of honor and the host. All guests rise again to drink this toast. 

When the occasion is an official and formal one, the order and subject of all toasts should 

be arranged before hand. It is the responsibility of the host to inform the guest of honor which 

toasts will be offered and when. The rule here is that the host proposes all toasts and the guest 

answers in kind. 

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15 Jun2001 

171O.7A 

Example: Suppose the occasion is a black tie dinner hosted by the Chief of Naval Operations in 

honor of the Ambassador of Great Britain. The following would apply: 

USN CNO (Host/Hostess) would stand after the dessert wine has been served and would 

raise hisiher glass saying, “TOHer Majesty, the Queen. ” 

All guests should stand and raise their glasses and toast the Queen. This may be followed 

by the playing of the British National Anthem. 

Moments later, the Ambassador would stand, raise his/her glass and say, “To the 

President of the United States. ” 

All guests would stand and toast the President. This may be followed by the U.S. 

National Anthem. 

Other toasts may follow, such as: 

USN CNO: “To the Chief of Naval Sta~and First Sea Lord. ” 

British Ambassador: “To the Chief of Naval Operations. ” 

USN CNO: “May the bonds offriendship which tile our navies together continue to 

strengthen in the future. ” 

British Ambassador: “TOthe great traditions of the U.S. Navy and her gallant leaders. ” 

When the guests represent more than one nation, the host/hostess proposes a collective 

toast to the heads of their several states, naming them in the order of the seniority of the 

representatives present. The highest-ranking foreign officer among the guests will respond on 

behalf of all the guests by toasting the head of state of the host’s country. 

Since governments and titles change, it is essential to verify their accuracy. 

NOTE: The position is toasted and individual’s name is not mentioned. 

BRITISH 

CUSTOMS 

At an official dinner given by a British official for a high-ranking U.S. officer, the former 

rises during or after dessert to toast the President of the United States, and then the orchestra, if 

present, plays “The Star Spangled Banner.” After the guests are seated, the guest of honor rises 

to toast “Her Majesty, the Queen, “ and the orchestra plays “God Save the Queen.” If other 

monarchies are represented at the dinner, the honored guest would say, “Her Majesty, Queen 

Elizabeth H.” These toasts are sometimes followed by short speeches and toasts to the services 

represented. 

At regular mess dinners in the Royal Navy, the senior member of the mess proposes the 

toast, “The Queen, “ and all present in a low voice repeat, “The Queen” and sip the toast. If an 

American officer is a personal dinner guest in the mess where a nightly toast to the Queen is 

drunk, the mess president might propose a toast to the U.S. Navy after the usual toast to the 

Queen. The American would then properly reply with a toast to the Royal Navy. It should be 

remembered that at Anglo-American dinners, the British officer would toast, “The President of 

the United States, ” and the senior American would reply, “Her Majesty, the Queen. ” 

5-2 

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15 Jun2001 

171O.7A 

FRENCH AND ITALIAN CUSTOMS 

Officers of these navies often preface a toast with the phrase, “1 have the honor to... “ At 

a dinner for a senior U.S. officer, the French host/hostess may say, “1 have the honor to propose 

a toast to the President of the United States. ” The guest of honor might properly reply, “l is my 

great honor to propose a toast to the President of the French Republic. ” 

SCANDINAVIAN 

CUSTOMS 

Ceremonial toasts are less usual than in the Scandinavian countries. Rather, the 

host/hostess “skoals” each guest. No one drinks wine until after the hostlhostess has offered a 

general skoal of welcome. Skoaling continues throughout the meal among the guests. The 

ladies must be alert to respond to individual skoals from the gentlemen, for each gentleman 

skoals the lady sitting at his right at least once. 

The procedure is to raise one’s glass slightly from the table, and looking directly into 

your partner’s eyes, draw the glass down and toward the body, bow slightly, say “skoal,” drink 

and salute again with your glass before putting it down. The skoal received must be returned a 

few minutes later. 

Specific customs of individual countries should be understood prior to attending social 

fimctions; for example, in Finland, Norway and Sweden, an additional procedure is for the guest 

of honor to thank the hosthostess with a toast at the end of the meal. The Danes toast the 

hostess only. In Sweden, the hostess is never skoaled by a guest during a formal or semi-foxmal 

dinner. 

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15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

CHAPTER 6 

Receptions 

Receptions are the most popular form of official entertaining for they allow wide 

variance in the number of guests invited and in the formality of the occasion. They range from 

the very formal, which might be a reception after 8 p.m. hoisted by an ambassador in honor of 

visiting chief of state, to the less formal, perhaps that hosted by a military attach6 from 8 to 10 

o’clock in the evening in celebration of Armed Forces Day. The most common and least formal 

affair is held from approximately 6 to 8 o’clock, frequently in honor of a visiting official or in 

celebration of some event. 

Characteristically, receptions differ from the simple cocktail party in that they are 

intended to honor individuals or a specific occasion, the atmosphere is somewhat more formal, 

their duration is prescribed, and there is always a receiving line. 

The thoughtful hostlhostess who plans a reception in honor of a high-ranking official will 

consult with the latter regarding a mutually agreeable date and time before ordering invitations. 

As indicated in Chapter 2, the person or the occasion being feted maybe indicated on the 

invitation in several ways. 

Guests should arrive before the receiving line disbands, normally within the first 35 

minutes of the reception. The order of persons in the receiving line may vary with the type of 

occasion and desires of the hosting official. 

The sequence which the Department of State follows for official functions in honor of 

high-ranking dignitaries is: 

Announcer –Host – Guest of Honor – Guest of Honor’s Wife -- Host’s Wife – Extra Man 

The announcer is often a military aide whose responsibility is to announce each guest by 

name. 

The extra man avoids placing a woman at the end of the line. It is his function to move 

the guests into the reception area. Very often, however, this extra person will make the line 

entirely too long, in which case he maybe eliminated. 

An alternative which is equally appropriate and which makes the relationship of those 

receiving clearer to the guests is: 

Announcer – Host – Host’s Wife – Guest of Honor – Guest of Honor’s Wife – Extra Man 

In the event that the official who is hosting and/or guest of honor are women, observe the 

following: 

Announcer – Hostess – Hostess’ Husband – Guest of Honor – Guest of Honor’s Spouse – 

Extra Man (if a woman precedes him) 

When the guest of honor is a head of State, the host and hostess relinquish their positions 

and the line appears as: 

Announcer – Chief of State – Spouse of the Chief of State – Host – Hostess – Extra Man 

./ 

6-1 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun2001 

171O.7A 

Guests do not shake hands with the aidekmnouncer. The guest should state his/her name 

and then proceed through the line. In the case of couples, the guest who has been invited 

because of his/her official capacity precedes hislher spouse or date through the line. 

A typical pattern of introduction that the aide may use is as follows: The aide receives the 

name of the guest, turns to the hostlhostess, after exchanging amenities, will turn to hisiher 

spouse and say, “Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Jones. ” The guest in proceeding down the line simply 

smiles, shakes hands, and greets each person with “How do you do” or “Good evening. ” Since 

names do not travel well, the guest should repeat his/her name when necessary. One should 

never engage in extended conversation in a receiving line so as to avoid holding the line up. 

ATTIRE 

The expected attire for a reception should be specified on the invitation. In general, the 

following rules apply: 

Afternoon or early evening reception @-ior to 8 p.m.) 

--Generally informal 

--Military women and men: Seasonally appropriate service dress uniform 

--Civilian women: Street length or informal long dresses as current styles dictate 

--Civilian men: Business suits 

Evening reception (ajler 8 p.m.) 

--Can be informal, formal, or very formal. If informal, the above rules apply. If 

formal, the following is appropriate: 

--Formal (Black Tie) 

--Military men and women: Seasonal dinner dress uniform 

--Civilian women: Long fom~al gowns 

--Civilian men: Black tie; tuxedo 

--Very formal (White Tie) – Very seldom worn 

--Military men and women: Formal dress uniform 

--Civilian women: Very formal gowns 

--Civilian men: White tie; fill dress eveningwear 

NOTE: 

One should remember that the above dress code is a strict adherence to protocol as one 

would see in Washington, D.C. Other areas of the country such as California or Hawaii 

are fiw less formal. 

6-2 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun2001 

171O.7A 

CHAPTER 7 

Cards and Calls 

Traditionally, naval officers were expected to pay formal social calls on their 

commanding officers when reporting to a new duty station. The new officer, accompanied by 

his/her spouse would visit the commanding officer’s home for 15-20 minutes and leave calling 

cards. 

Times have changed, however, and the trend is toward less formality in social settings. 

The formal exchange of social calls is generally not required today. It is far more common for a 

commanding officer to host large scale receptions to welcome newcomers and bid others 

fmewell. An officer should always inquire as to the new command’s policy. 

Should formal calls be desired, the following general guidelines are observed. An 

appointment should be made, and the officer and spouse arrive promptly at the residence of the 

commanding officer. Usually a social call lasts 20 to 30 minutes, with light, pleasant 

conversational exchange. The appropriate number of cards is left on a silver dish or tray located 

on a table near the door. The officer paying the call leaves one of his cards for the husband and 

one for the wife, as well as one for each lady in the house cwer 18, not more than three cards 

being left by any one person. The civilian woman leaves one card for each lady of the house 

over 18, but never for a man, not even the President. A man can never make a call for his wife 

nor leave her cards, although she may make calls and leave cards for him, except in the case of a 

call on his commanding officer. 

Exceptions to this recent trend are few, but often include officers on military and 

diplomatic assignment in foreign countries. These individuals often call on officials within their 

own embassy and military activity, on officials of the host govenunent, and on diplomatic 

representatives of other governments. In these cases, it is best to check with the protocol officer 

of the U.S. embassy for guidance on local customs. 

CALLING 

CARDS 

Despite the fact that formal social calls are rarely made, calling cards are still useful in 

many situations. They are sent with flowers or gifts, as infbrmal invitations to informal parties 

of any type, as reminders, or as bearers of messages of condolence or congratulations. 

Accordingly, a supply of envelopes that approximate the size of the card and yet conform to 

existing postal regulations is a wise investment. 

It is a great help and often economically advantagecms to patronize only the finest 

engravers. They generally know the correct use of titles and social forms and are qualified to 

advise concerning the type size, paper quality, and similar matters. Some are also willing to help 

the junior officer to economize by making three cards, namely the joint card, personal card, and 

the wife’s card from a single plate. Many engravers will keep a plate on file and fill subsequent 

mail orders, 

Calling cards need not be engraved. The more economical process of thermography that 

produces a raised print is a very acceptable substitute. 

7-1 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

SELECTING 

CARDS 

The following recommendations regarding personal cards and their use are founded on 

accepted social practice and naval tradition. 

Neither abbreviations nor initials are generally allowed. Suffixes are the single exception 

to this rule. The suffix “Jr.” maybe used instead of the preferred “junior” if the officer so 

desires, or if his name is very long or preceded by a lengthy title. The Roman numerals II, III, 

and IV, which are used to identify a younger man who has the same name as an older living 

relative, also follow an officer’s name on his card. A comma is always used between the 

surname and suffix. 

Clarity rather than undue size or ornateness is desirable in the lettering. Script, shaded 

reman, and antique reman are among the most popular styles, offering the advantage of a 

distinguished and legible appearance. 

PERSONAL 

CARDS 

Officers 

An officer’s personal card is approximately 3-1/8 inches long and 1-5/8 inches high, 

although the length of the name and title will determine the exact dimensions. 

Senior Flag Oflcers 

A very senior officer is entitled to use his/her rank and surname on the cards, but many 

prefer to have the fill name engraved to provide more complete identification 

Admiral 

Smith 


or 

Admiral James Lyttle Jcmes 


Vice Chief of Naval Operations 

Senior Of@cers 

Titles of officers of the grade of commander and above should precede their names. The 

service designation of such senior officers maybe directly lbelow the line bearing the officer’s 

name and rank, or in the lower right comer of the card. 

or 

Rear Admiral Elizabeth Eileen Flanner 


Commander 

Brian Richard Leahy 

United States Naval Reserve 

7-2 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

Junior Oficers 

Titles of junior officers (warrant officer through lieutenant commander) are engraved in 

the lower right corner of the officer’s card and centered above the service designation. 

or 

Timothy Daniel Ace, Junior 

Shawn Claire Smith. 

Ensign 


Lieutenant Junior Grade 


StaflCorps Officers 

Staff Corps designations properly appear before the service affiliation of the senior 

officer wherever he/she elects to locate the latter. For all others, it must appear in the lower right 

comer between the rank and the service designations. 

or 

Rear Admiral Thomas Francis Boeing 

Supply Corps, United States Navy 

Louis Gawain Foster, Jr. 

Lieutenant Commander 

Medical Corps 


Midshipmen 

Cards of midshipmen 

show their title and service in the lower right comer. 

William Howard Hoover 

Midshipman 


or 

Maureen Therese Conrdley 

Midshipman 


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15 Jun2001 

171O.7A 

Retired Of$cers 

A retired officer’s card is engraved exactly as that for an officer of comparable grade on 

active duty except that the word “Retired” is added on a separate line below the service 

affiliation. “Retired” should not be abbreviated, placed within brackets, or otherwise positioned 

on the card. 

Captain Terence Arnole McGinnis 

Judge Advocate General Corps 


Retired 

Naval Attach&s 

A two-ply glazed white card, measuring about 3- l/2 inches long and 2 inches high, is 

used for the official card of a naval attach~. Name, rank, and service are engraved on the first 

two lines in the manner appropriate to the rank of the officer concerned. Commanders and above 

show their grade and fill name on one line, with staff corps (if any) and service on the second; 

while junior officers place their full name on the first line and their rank, corps if any, and 

service on the second. The third line reads ‘Naval Attach6,” and in some cases a fourth line, 

“Naval Attach6 for Air” is added when appropriate. These are followed by the line, “Embassy of 

the United States of America.” The name of the capital of the country of accreditation is 

engraved in the lower right comer. 

Special local requirements governing the number of cards for a given assignment, the 

foreign language cards, which may be needed, and other such details are established by the 

Department of State. 

Senior Of@cer Naval Attach&: 

Captain Howard Homer Skidrnore 


Assistant Naval Attach6 

Assistant Naval Attach6 fbr Air 

Embassy of the United States c)fAmerica 

Copenhagen 

Senior Officer, Sta#Corps, 

Naval Attach&: 

Commander Herman Kordenat Rendtorff 

Dental Corps, United States Navy 

Assistant Naval Attach6 

Assistant Naval Attach6 fbr Air 

Embassy of the United States c~fAmerica 

Moscow 

* 

7-4 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun2001 

171O.7A 

Junior Of@cer Naval Attachd: 

Charles Wilkes Styer, Jr. 

Lieutenant Commander, United States Navy 

Assistant Naval Attache 

Assistant Naval Attach& for Air 

Embassy of the United States of America 

Other Naval Personnel. Naval personnel below the rank of warrant officer use a card, which 

bears only their names in the center and the service designation at the lower right comer. “Mr.,” 

“Miss,” Ms.,” or “Mrs.” is never appropriately used on the personal cards of military personnel. 

Navy Department Civil Officials. The service Secretaries and Under Secretaries, although not 

members of the President’s Cabinet, are allowed to use simply their titles on calling cards just as 

Cabinet members do. 

Or 

The Secretary of the Niivy 

The Under Secretary of the Navy 

An Assistant Secretary’s card carries his name and title since each executive and service 

department has more than one person with this position title. 

Civilian Women. A married woman’s card is squarer than a man’s and is customarily about 3- 

1/8 inches long by 2-1/4 inches high. It is preferable that a wife’s card matches her husband’s in 

color, style, type of engraving, and indication of the name. Often, the home address is engraved 

in the lower right comer. 

The wife of an official who uses only his title on his card has hers engraved with only the 

surname. 

or 

or 

Mrs. Robert Louis Smythe 

Mrs. Earle Peter Jones 

Mrs. Laird 

Paris 

24 Granby Street, Boston 

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171O.7A 

JOINT 

CARDS 

Married couples sometimes use a joint or double card reading “Captain and Mrs. Jeffrey 

David Hart.” The size approximates 2-1/2 inches by 3-1/2 inches. This card is particularly 

useful to send with gifts or flowers, or as informal invitaticms. When calling on a married 

couple, one such card may be lefl along with an additional card of the husband. 

Although at one time only commanders and above used the joint card, it is now 

fi-equently and properly used by lieutenants and above. 

It is sometimes advisable to engrave the address in the lower right comer of the double 

card. If a permanent address is uncertain, it maybe omitted from the card plate and penciled on 

the cards as used. The officer’s branch of service is never indicated on this card. 

Rear Admiral 

and Mrs. John Paul Jones, II 

2220 West Street 

or 

Lieutenant 

and Mrs. Mark G. 13urgunder 

or 

Commanders John and Elizabeth Smith 

The following standard abbreviations penciled in the lower left comer of visiting cards 

were at one time used to convey formal messages as indicated. They are occasionally used in 

very formal and diplomatic settings today. 

“p.f.” – pour feliciter – to congratulate, is used to extend felicitations on occasions such 

as national holidays or some special event. Cards so inscribed are generally mailed or delivered 

to arrive on the day being celebrated. 

“p.c.” – pour condoler – to condole, may replace the usual English expressions of 

sympathy on a card left personally or sent through the mail at times of bereavement. 

“pOr.”– pour remercier – to thank, is written on a card to be mailed to a person who has 

sent a card inscribed with “p.f.” or “p.c.”. 

“p.p.c.” – pour prendre conge – to take leave, is used on a card by the individual who is 

departing from a station or community. If it is impossible to call in person, such cards may be 

sent by mail and should be lefl on all officials and all acquaintances by whom one has been 

entertained. 

“pp.” – pour presenter – to present, is occasionally seen on a fi-iend’s card that has been 

sent with a stranger’s card. This is intended’to introduce the stranger. When such a card is 

received, one should immediately send cards or call on the person so introduced. 

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171O.7A 

INFORMAL 

CARDS 

It should be noted that so-called “inforrnals” which are of two types, fold-over cards and 

single flat cards, are substitutes only for notepaper and are never to be used as visiting cards. 

The appearance and uses of informal cards are discussed in Chapter 2. 

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CHAPTER 8 

Dining-In 

The Dining-In k a formal dinner function for members of an organization or unit. It 

provides an occasion for officers to meet socially at a formal military function. It is also 

accepted as an excellent means for bidding farewell to departing officers while welcoming new 

ones. Finally, the occasion provides an opportunity to recognize both individual and unit 

achievements. 

The custom of Dining-In is a very old tradition in England but is not exclusively military. 

It is believed that Dining-In began as a custom in the monasteries, was adopted by the early 

universities, and later spread to military units when the officers’ mess was established. 

The primary elements are a formal setting, the camaraderie of the members, a fine dinner, 

traditional toasts to the President and military services, mzulial music and the attendance of 

honored guests. 

Officers of the Mess 

There are two officers of the mess. The President is normally the senior officer although 

he/she may delegate another to assume the function. The F’resident presides over the mess 

throughout the evening. The Vice President is appointed by the President and is normally the 

junior member of the mess. He/she is affectionately referred to as “Mr. ViceiMadame Vice,” 

and is the key figure in planning for the dining-in. During the dining-in itself, the Vice discreetly 

quiets any disturbance, announces or seconds toasts as directed by the President, and prepares a 

list of offenders and offenses for the President. The list maly be handed to the President or read 

aloud, as directed at the time specified by the President. 

GUESTS 

There are two types of guests, official and personal. The former are those hosted by the 

mess and are usually senior in rank to the President, such as distinguished civilian, a prominent 

foreign national, a senior official of the U.S. Government or distinguished representative of the 

other armed services. Personal guests, invited with the permission of the President, are junior in 

rank to the President. Official guests are guests of the mess as a whole; their expenses are 

shared. The expenses of personal guests are paid by the one who invited them. This includes bar 

expenses. 

Mess officers should arrive at least 10 minutes before the hour of invitation in order to 

meet and talk with the guests of honor and get acquainted with others. Officers do not leave 

until the guests have departed unless they have been excused beforehand for a good reason. 

PROCEDURE 

Cocktail Hour 

Preceding the dinner there is an open-bar cocktail hour, which lasts for approximately 45 

minutes. Each member of the mess should arrive 5 minute:s before opening time. It is customary 

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171O.7A 

for each officer to greet the President of the mess and later to aid the President in entertaining the 

guests. 

Call to Dinner 

The signal for dinner will be the playing of “Officers Call,” followed by appropriate 

marching music. After “Officers Call,” as soon as the music starts, all officers not seated at the 

head table should dispose of their drinks, proceed to the dining area, locate their places and stand 

quietly behind their chairs. Seating will normally be done by rank, and a diagram should be 

posted in the cocktail area for viewing prior to the call to dinner. 

Those individuals seated at the head table will remain in the cocktail area until all others 

have reached the dining room. The President indicates thalt dinner is to be served and heads of 

the line which will march into the dining room. The honored guest will be on the President’s 

right, followed by the remaining officers in order of seniority. Just prior to entering, the 

President will instruct the bandleader to proceed with the ceremony. An appropriate march is 

played as the President leads the members of the head table to their places. As soon as the last 

officer to be seated has stopped and turned to face his/her place setting, the band will cease 

playing and prepare to play appropriate dinner music. 

No one may take his/her place at the table after the head table has entered without first 

requesting the permission of the President. Conversely, one may not leave without the 

permission of the President. 

Grace 

As soon as the music has stopped, the President will rap for attention and announce 

“Gentlemen/Ladies, the grace. ” The Chaplain will then saly grace. Upon its completion, all 

officers will be seated at the sound of the gavel. 

Gavel 

The gavel will be used by the President to signal the members. Three resounding raps 

requires the attention of the members whether standing or seated. Two raps causes the members 

to rise standing in place, and one is the signal for the members to take their seats. 

Seating Arrangements 

The President of the Mess sits at the center of the head table with the guest of honor on 

his/her right. The Chaplain will normally sit to the far left of the President. The remaining 

guests at the head table are seated according to protocol. The table at which Mr. Vice/Madame 

Vice will be seated should be at the opposite end of the banquet hall so that he/she and the 

President will face one another when speaking. 

x President Chaplain 

1 

X= Guest of Honor 

I 

Vice President 

“Mr. Vice /Madame 

I 

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OPNAVINST : 71O.7A 

15 Jun2001 

Table Setting 

Aforrnal place setting isusedfor messnight. Certain ground n.desforthe use of 

silverware and glassware simpli~ the procedure. A lay plate is in the center, partially covered 

by a neatly folded napkin on top of which lies the place card. To its left, working from the 

outside toward the plate, will be the forks in the order of use – fish, meat, and salad, the latter 

properly being after the main course. To the right working from the outside toward the plate, 

will be the spoons in order of use – soup, and tea. Then the knives – meat and salad. Above the 

knives will be the crystal. Again working from outside towards the center (or right to left), in the 

order of use – white wine glass, red wine glass, champagne, claret glass for port and a goblet for 

water. 

After each course, all used silverware and glassware will be removed. The dessert 

implements are normally found on the dessert plate when served. If not, they will be the 

innermost utensils of their kind. Butter plates are not used in formal settings. 

Ashtrays and cigarette containers will be conspicuously absent. 

The formal dinner consists of six courses: appetizer, soup, fish, entr6e, salad and dessert. 

Wines 

Appropriate dinner wines will be served. White wines are generally served with fish and 

fowl, red wines with blood meats. Champagne may be used anytime. White and sparkling 

wines are served chilled. Red wine is served at room temperature. Port, in keeping with 

tradition, will be served after dinner for toasting. 

Should an officer not desire wine, he/she should put his/her place card over the glass or 

inform the steward that he/she does not wish wine. The gliiss should not be turned upside down 

as a means of indicating that wine is not desired. However, glasses should be charged with port 

for the toasts and at least raised to the lips. If toasts are prc~posed prior to dinner, they are drunk 

with the white entr~e wine. 

At the end of a course that calls for wine, the waiter will properly remove the glass. One 

should not stop hin-dher, even though the glass maybe full. 

Toasting wine, presented after the conclusion of the meal will be placed on the table. 

Members of the mess serve the toasting wine themselves. “When serving the toasting wine, 

members should always pass fi-om left to right. 

Dining-In Toasts 

A toast is the traditional and formal way of honoring a country, organization or 

institution. Formal toasts are never drunk to individual persons by name. 

Following dessert and coffee, Mr. Vice/Madame Vice will announce to the President: 

“The wine is ready to pass, Sir/Ma ‘am. ” At about the same time that the port wine is placed on 

the table, the ashtrays will be placed. One should not drink the port, nor smoke. The important 

thing to remember when passing port is that the bottle must never rest on the table until the last 

glass at the individual table is charged, and that each glass is charged whether the member drinks 

or not. As the bottles are emptied, the member having an empty bottle will raise it to indicate 

that a replacement is needed. When a bottle has reached the end of the table and the last glass is 

charged, it maybe set down. 

When all glasses are charged, the President will rise and call for a toast to the 

Commander-in-Chief of the United States (when foreign guests are present, their head of state is 

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toasted first). At the sound of the gavel, Mr. Vice/Madame Vice seconds this by rising and 

addressing the mess, saying, “Gentlemen/Ladies, the Commander-in-Chief of the United States. ” 

Each member and guest then stands, repeats in unison the toast (e.g., “The Commander-in-Chief 

of the United States “), sips the drink, and remains standing. The band then plays the National 

Anthem. At the conclusion of the music, members and guests are again seated. 

Immediately after the first toast, the President will call for the smoking lamp to be 

lighted. Mr. Vice/Madame Vice will present a lighted ceremonial lamp to the President who in 

turn will offer the light to honored guests. After the lamp has passed the President, he/she will 

announce, “The smoking lamp is lighted. ” Smoking may now commence throughout the mess. 

Cigars will be distributed to each table with the port. With the current trend being that of a 

smoke-flee environment, many clubs are non-smoking facilities. The tradition of the smoking 

lamp looks like it has seen its final days. Check with the President to find out if one is desired or 

will be omitted fi-om the event entirely. 

Thereafter, the President may either personally call for specific formal toasts or may 

recognize a member of the mess to do so. If the President calls for a toast, Mr. Vice/Madame 

Vice will second it. If a member of the mess is recognized for the purpose of proposing a toast, 

the President will second it. Do not “bottoms-up” your drink on each toast. “Bottoms-up” is 

expected only on the last toast to the U.S. Navy, the last of the evening. Do not be caught in the 

position of having an uncharged glass! 

Toasts will be drunk in the following order: 

The Commander-in-Chief (Loyalty Toast) 

The Joint Chiefs of Staff 

The United States Marine Corps 

The Chief of Naval Operations 

Our Ships at Sea 

Missing Comrades 

Informal Toasts 

The United States Navy (Traditional Toast) 

After the initial formal toasts, the President will introduce the Guest of Honor, who will 

address the mess. Following this address, informal toasts will be received from members of the 

mess. During this period, any member of the mess who wishes to initiate a toast will stand and 

address the President. On being recognized, the member will briefly present his/her justification 

for desiring such a toast, ending with the words of the proposed toast. Inspired wit and subtle 

sarcasm are much appreciated in these toasts. If the President deems the toast justified, he/she 

will direct Mr. Vice/Madam Vice to second the toast in the same manner as in the formal toast. 

When in the judgment of the President the informal toasting has sufficed, he/she will rap 

thrice with the gavel and commence the business of the mess by asking Mr. Vice/Madam Vice to 

read the list of offenders who have violated the customs and traditions of the mess. The 

President assesses fines and suitable payments as necessary. 

The President will then, without rising, call for a toast to the U.S. Navy. He/she will 

stand while Mr. Vice/Madame Vice seconds the toast. Before seconding, Mr. Vice/Madame 

Vice proceeds to the head table and fills each glass starting fi-om honored guest and ending with 

the President. The President then fills Mr. Vice/Madame Vice’s glass, who faces the mess and 

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171O.7A 

seconds the toast. All present rise, responding in unison, “The United States Navy,” drain the 

entire glass and remain standing while “Anchors Aweigh” is played. 

Following the toast to the U.S. Navy, the President will invite those present to join 

hirrdher at the bar. Attendees should remain at their places until the head table has left the mess. 

The bar will be open for purchase of refi-eshments and members and their guests will be free to 

congregate. Attendees should not depart until the President and all official guests have departed. 

Despite its formality and ritual, Dining-In is intended to be an enjoyable and enriching 

experience. Those who have attended previous Mess Nights have found them to be so, and it is 

hoped this tradition will continue. 

Dining-In Violations of the Mess 

1. Untimely arrival at proceedings. 

2. Smoking at table prior to the lighting of the smoking lamp. 

3. Haggling over date of rank. 

4. Inverted cummerbund. 

5. Loud and obtrusive remarks in a foreign language or in English. 

6. Improper toasting procedure. 

7. Leaving the dining area without permission from the President. 

8. Carrying cocktails into the dining room. 

9. Foul language. 

10. Wearing clip-on bow tie at an obvious list. 

11. Being caught with an uncharged glass. 

12. Rising to applaud particularly witty, succinct, sarcastic or relevant toasts, unless 

following the example of the President. 

13. Commencing a course before the President. 

14. Placing a bet or wager. 

15. Telling an off-color or unrefined story. 

16. Discussing issues of a controversial nature. 

17. Failure to laugh at any joke rendered by an honored guest or the President. 

18. Improper attire. 

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POW/MIA 

TABLE 

The small table at the front of the mess has been placed thereto honor our POW/MIAs. 

The items on the table represent various aspects of the courageous men and women still missing. 

The table can be set for one or four – Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force -- with or without 

hats. 

The table is smaller than the others symbolizing the tlailky of one prisoner alone against their 

oppressors. 

The white tablecloth represents the purity of their response to our country’s call to arms, 

The empty chair depicts an unknown face, representing no specific Soldier, Sailor, Marine or 

Airman, but all who are not here with us. 

The table is round to show that our concern for them is never ending. 

The Bible represents faith in a higher power and the pledge to our country, founded as one ‘ 

nation under God. 

The black napkin stands for the emptiness these warriors have left in the hearts of their families 

and friends. 

The single red rose reminds us of their families and loved ones; and the red ribbon represents 

the love of our country, which inspired them to answer the nation’s call. 

The yellow candle and its yellow ribbon symbolize the everlasting hope for a joyous reunion 

with those yet unaccounted for. 

The slices of lemon on the bread plate reminds us of their bitter fate. 

The salt upon the bread plate represents 

the tears of their families. 

The wine glass turned upside down reminds us that our distinguished comrades cannot be with 

us to drink a toast or join in the festivities this evening. 

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CHAPTER 9 

Ship Ceremonies 

Navy tradition dictates that each ship constructed fbr the service be honored on four 

historic ceremonial occasions: keel-laying, christening (or ‘launching), commissioning and 

decommissioning. Various directives pertaining to these events are issued periodically, and one 

should check with the senior Navy official (i.e., Fleet Commander, Type Commander, etc.) 

office for local guidance. 

Questions often arise concerning the proper wording of invitations and the agenda for the 

ceremony. Fortunately, existing regulations do not predetermine the precise sequence of 

activities or establish inflexible protocol stipulations. Responsible officials are given a 

comfortable latitude to produce a ceremony distinctively Navy in heritage and significance, yet 

singular in its specific circumstances. The information imparted in this chapter is intended to 

represent not a rigid standard so much as a concept of what has been done in the past in order to 

provide a guide to what is traditional and appropriate for thle situation. 

KEEL-LAYING 

CEREMONY 

The first milestone in the history of a ship is the generally simple ceremony that marks 

the laying of the keel. The invitation is issued by shipyard officials and the ceremony conducted 

by them. The builder maybe the commander of a naval shipyard or the president of a private 

company. 

Invitation. The following is an annotated sample of a typical and correctly worded invitation to a 

keel-laying ceremony: 

The Commander, Charleston Naval Shipyard 


upon the occasion of tlhe 

laying of the keel of the destroyer 

NEVERSAIL’ 

2 

by the Honorable 

at the Charleston Naval Shipyard 

on Tuesday, the tenth of August4 

at half past twelve o ‘clock 

3 

1The ship’s prospective name, without the designation USS, is indicated here, if known; otherwise her type and 

number are given, e.g., DD 2215. 

2Indicate the name of the speaker. Use the title “Honorable” only when it is appropriate to the status of the speaker. 

3 Show the title of the speaker, if any, e.g., The Secretmy of the Navy. 

4 Some officials with a view to the historic nature of the event choose to include the year. When used, it should 

appear on the line following the date, written as “two thousand and one.“ 

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Program. A sample program for a keel-laying ceremony with annotation 

shown below: 

as to participants 

is 

National Anthem 

Invocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chaplain 

Welcome and introduction of 

theprincipal speaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . President of the Shipbuilding 

Company or Commander of the 

Naval Shipyard 

Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Principal speaker 

Authentication of thekeel-laying . . . . . . . . . . . . Optional. lfincluded, theprincipal 

guest, generally the speaker, will 

ajll a nameplate or inscribe his 

initials on the keel. 

Movement of the keel into position 

onthe shipway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Performed by workmen 

Announcement that the keel 

“has been truly and fairly laid” . . . . . . . . . . . . The Principal Speaker or the 

President of the Shipbuilding 

Company 

Benediction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chaplain 

LAUNCHING/CHRISTENING 

CEREMONY 

In this second significant ceremony, the recently constructed ship is solemnly dedicated, 

named and committed to the sea. There are many variations in the launching programs, even as 

to whether it is known as a launching or christening or both. The desires of the shipbuilder and 

of the Navy as well as existing circumstances will determine its final form. It should be noted 

that the designation of U.S. Ship (USS) is not properly used with the ship’s name at this point, 

for she has not yet been accepted into naval service. 

Invitation. The following is a typical example of a launching invitation: 

R.S.V.P. 

The Commander, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard 


at the launching of the submarine 

DEEP FISH (SS 999) 

on Saturday, the twenty-first of July 

two thousand and one5 

at half past ten o ‘clock 

at Portsmouth, New Hampshire 

Mrs. Robert Thomas Williams, SponsorG 

3Indicationof the yearis optional. 

cSponsorsare generallyprominentwomenof the communitywho,duringthe ceremony,namethe vesselandbreak 

a bottle of wineagainstthe ship’sbow as the ship slidesinto the water. 

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171O.7A 

Program. The following elements constitute most launching programs, although the sequence of 

events and participants can be altered: 


Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Introduction of Principal Speaker. . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Invocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Introduction of the Ship’s Sponsor 

(andmatrons of honor) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Christening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Shipyard official 

Senior Navy Oficial (i.e., Fleet 

Commander, Type Commander) 

Principal Speaker 

Chaplain 

Shipyard official or Senior Navy 

0j7icial 

Sponsor 

A common variation and elaboration of these parts is found in the ensuing example: 

Attention sounded 

Opening remarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Senior Navy Official (i.e., Fleet 

Commander, Type Commander) 

Address on the ship’s namesake 

and history of former ships of the name. . . . . Guest Speaker 


Introduction of the sponsor, matron of honor, 

and representative of the Society of Senior Nayv Official 

Sponsors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . or other speaker 

Presentation of gifl from Navy yard employees7 


Invocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chaplain 

Christening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SpOnsOr 

Anchors Aweigh 


COMMISSIONING 

CEREMONY 

The third and most important ceremony in the history of a ship admits her to the U.S. 

Navy. The essence of the ceremony is her acceptance by the Navy, entitling her thereafter to fly 

the commission pennant and to be designated a U.S. Ship. 

There are two major steps in the commissioning process. Initially, the builder turns the 

ship over to the senior Navy official. The latter, who is the intermediary between builder and 

prospective commanding officer, receives the ship and commissions her. The Navy official then 

turns the ship over to the prospective commanding officer who accepts her, assumes command, 

and proceeds to act as host for the remainder of the ceremony. 

7 presentation of a gift to the sponsor may instead be made at the reception that follows the ceremony. 

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Invitation. There are two forms which commissioning invitations commonly take. The principal 

difference between lies in the consideration of who is the host for the ceremony and in whose 

name, therefore, invitations are extended. In practice, the first portion of the ceremony, 

including the commissioning itself, is the responsibility of the senior Navy official (i.e., Fleet 

Commander, Type Commander, etc.). 

For this reason, invitations citing the senior Navy official as one of multiple hosts are 

often used; however, those tendered in the name of the conmnanding officer, officers and men are 

the least equally traditional. 

Although acceptance as a U.S. Ship does not occur until midway in the ceremony, 

invitations customarily use the designation USS (without periods) with the ship’s name. 

The invitation may be engraved on fill size, heavy white paper, similar in style to a 

wedding invitation, or as is more usual, on a white invitation card which is entirely plain or 

topped with a replica of the commission pennant. 

Example 1: 

Example 2: 

R.S.V.P. 

(757) 255-5812 

The Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet 

The Commanding Officer and Ship’s Companyg 


at the commissioning of 9 

USSNEVERSAIL(DD2215) 

at the Norfolk, Naval Shipyard, Norfolk Virginia 

on Monday, the fifteenth of August 

two thousand and one 

at half-past one o’clock 

The Captain, Officers and Crew of 

UNITED STATES SHIP NEVERSAIL 


on the occasion of the commissioning of 

UNITED STATES SHIP NEVERSAIL 

Boston Naval Shipyard, Boston, Massachusetts 

on Saturday, the tenth of May 

two thousand and one 

at three o’clock 

Please present this card 

At the Henley Street Gate 

10 

8The “Comrnanding Officer, Officers and Crew” is an acceptable alternate second line, It is unnecessarily exclusive 

to extend the invitation to the ceremony in the name of only the “CornnwmdingOfficer and Officers,” as it is 

sometimes done. 

9It is incorrect to use the deftite article before a ship’s name inasmuch as there is but one of the name in 

commission at any given time. 

1°The desired uniform maybe specified here, or such other information as “Cameras not permitted.” 

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Program. An annotated sample program for commissioning is shown below: 

Band selections 

Invocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Welcome and introduction of the 

Senior Navy Official . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Introduction of distinguished guests . . . . . . . . . . . 

Reading of commissioning directive . . . . . . . . . . . 

Ship commissioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Raising of Colors, Union Jack and 

Commissioning Pennant 


Acceptance of command, reading of orders 

andassumption of command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Setting thewatch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Rendering of honors/personal flag of 

VIP/SOP broken . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Introduction of Principal Speaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Remarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Presentation of gift(s)]’ 

Benediction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Band selections 

Chaplain 

Builder or Shipyard Commander 

Senior NaW Official 

Senior Nayy Official 

Senior Navy Official 

Commanding 

Commanding 

Executive 

Of>cer 

Officer and 

Oficer 

Commanding Officer orders 

Commanding Oficer 

Principal Speaker 

Commanding O@cer 

Chaplain 

DECOMMISSIONING 

CEREMONY 

Still another ceremony terminates the active naval service of ships other than those lost at 

sea. A decommissioning is generally a somber occasion and fm less elaborate than any of the 

others discussed here. 

Program. The main parts of the ceremony that are again subject to reordering are: 

Arrival honors (if appropriate) 


Invocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Remarks (such as resum6 of ship’s history) . . . . . 

Reading of orders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Remarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Decommissioning and relinquishment 

ofcornmand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Benediction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Chaplain 

Commanding Officer 

Commanding Officer or 

other speaker 

Commanding Of)cer 

Authority accepting custody 

Commanding Oflcer 

Chaplain 

]1At this point in tbe ceremony, gifts are often presented to the ship by the sponsor, by state, city or community 

officials, or by the shipbuilder. 

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171O.7A 

An abbreviated ceremony that varies slightly from the foregoing is as follows: 

Arrival honors (if appropriate) 

Invocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chaplain 

Introduction and remarks (orders read) . . . . . . . . Commanding Officer 


Colors lowered 

Transfer tothe Reserve Fleet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Authority accepting custody 

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CHAPTER 10 

Change of Command and Retirement Ceremonies 

Change of Command. Traditional ceremony surrounds the important military occasion of 

change of command whether of a ship or shore activity. The following recommendations 

regarding invitation format and the sequence of events are offered to supplement both the 

existing Navy regulations on the subject and the individual desires of the principal participants. 

Annex I is provided for additional reference. 

INVITATION 

Invitations are normally headed by a replica of the personal flag of the officer being 

relieved or a commission pennant. An appropriate format is: 

Commander in Chief, U.S. Joint Forces 

and 

Supreme Allied Commander 

requests the pleasure of your company at thel 

Change of Command Ceremony at which 

Admiral John Paul Jones, United. States Navy 

will be relieved by 

Admiral Robert Louis Smith, United States Navy 

on Friday, the twenty-first of June 

at ten o ‘clock 

on board USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69) 

Pier 12, United States Navall Station 

Norfolk, Virginia 

R.S.V.P. 

Service Dress White 

(757) 428-3941 Civilian Informal 

An invitation to a reception following the ceremony if included is on a smaller card that 

is enclosed with the basic invitation. It may appear as: 

Reception 

immediately following the ceremony 

in Alumni Hall 

United States Naval Academy 

Annapolis, Marykmcl 

1While it is equally correct to use the engraved invitation that requires the writing of the guests’ names, it is no more 

correct than the filly engraved invitation which “requests the pleasure of your company,” and it creates needless 

work in the preparation. 

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Sample R.S.V.P. 

card: 

Name(s) 

Accept the Change of Command Ceremony invitation 

Number in party 

Unable to attend 

Inquiries/R. S.V.P.: (757) 428-3941 

PROGRAM 

A sample program for a change of command ceremony is as follows: 

Arrival honors 


Invocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chaplain 

Remarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Guest Speaker 

Presentation of Award (if presented) . . . . . . . . . . Designated Presenter (i.e., ISIC, 

Guest Speaker, etc.) 

Remarks and reading of orders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oficer being relieved 

Full Honors to officer relieved 

Oath of office, if required 

Reading of orders, remarks, and assumption of 

Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Officer relieving 

Full honors to officer relieving 

SEATING 

ON THE PLATFORM 

Seating fortheofficial ptiyshould beinkeeping vTith official precedence. Using the 

departing Commanding Officer as the host figure for the occasion, follow the customary 

alternating pattern of senior man or woman to the host’s right, second senior to hidher left, etc. 

This generally has the additional advantage of situating the principal participants relatively near 

the lectern. 

RECEIVING 

LINE 

The receiving line at the reception which follows such an occasion is normally comprised 

of the aide, outgoing officer as host, spouse of host, incoming officer, spouse, and an additional 

officer. The latter who is added to prevent a lady ending the line may well be the executive 

officer, public affairs officer, or other officer as determined. by the host. If it is deemed desirable 

to include the principal guest and hislher spouse in the line,, they would stand guest and spouse 

following the spouse of the host and before the incoming officer. 

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RETIREMENT 

CEREMONIES 

Retirement ceremonies, because of their similarity to change of command ceremonies 

(and often concurrent) should be organized in much the same way as a change of command 

ceremony. One possible difference is that there is only one central figure and he/she is the one 

retiring. The officer retiring should play a major role in the planning of his/her retirement 

ceremony. 

Where possible, the guidance of change of command ceremonies should be followed: 

Invitation. In the case of a retirement ceremony alone, an invitation would be worded as: 

Commander, Naval Intelligence Command* 

requests the pleasure of your company 

at a Retirement Ceremony of 

Rear Admiral Thomas Ray, United States Navy 

on Friday, the eighteenth of March 

at ten o’clock 

Admiral Leutze Park, Washington Navy Yard 

R.S.V.P. 

Service Dress Blue 

(703) 692-1056 Civilian Informal 

* This would be the host figure for the event. 

Combined Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony Invitation. In some instances, 

change of command and retirement ceremonies are combined. A properly worded invitation 

would be: 

Commander, Naval Supply Systems Command 

requests the pleasure of your company 

at the Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony 

at which 

Rear Admiral John Smith, Supply Corps, United States Navy 

will be relieved by 

Rear Admiral Henry Jones, Supply Corps, United States Navy 

on Friday, the thirteenth of April 

at half past eleven o’clock 

Admiral Leutze Park, Washington Navy Yard 

R.S.V.P. 

(703) 695-1234 

Service Dress Blue 

Civilian Informal 

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**Use of Printed Material and Mailing.2 Ceremonies qual.ifjing for the use of printed material 

at public expense are those approved as official and necessary for conducting public business. 

When coincident with a change of command, a retirement ceremony is official, and 

accountable public fimds maybe used for printed materials. 

A military retirement not coincident with a change of command maybe judged official 

by the senior milit~ officer within the immediate activity concerned in those instances where 

the activity authorizes and funds an official retirement ceremony. When so determined in 

writing by the senior military officer to the local Defense Printing Service component, 

accountable public finds may be used for printed materials. 

Official announcements of official retirement and change of command ceremonies may 

be mailed using appropriated fired postage. Postage will not be pre-paid on R.S.V.P. cards. An 

invitation to a related reception immediately following suc;h ceremonies maybe included in the 

official mailing of the announcement if it does not result in any increase in cost to the 

government and does not include an advertisement for or endorsement of any enterprise. 

2Paragraph 2, enclosure (1) of SECNAVINST 5603.2D 

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CHAPTER 11 

Arranging 

Visits for Dignitaries 

GENERAL 

GUIDELINES 

The aide or visits officer who is required to handle local arrangements for the visit of a 

U.S. or foreign dignitary, and perhaps his wifelher husbanci, necessarily confronts certain 

logistic, social and protocol-related problem areas. Often the itinerary has been clearly 

delineated by higher authority and local programming of its execution is all that is required. 

Unfortunately, however, troublesome details often fail to occur to the novice planner until 

difficulties develop. The following guidelines are provided to help eliminate problems. 

PLANNING 

The most minute detail of the visit must be carefidly planned and a realistic amount of 

time allotted. The names of all persons who are in any way associated with the visit, their exact 

duties and schedules, and the minutia concerning transportation of persons and luggage should 

all be laid out well in advance of the arrival of the dignitary. The following should be 

accomplished during the planning phase: 

1. Ensure that all arrangements, including reservations for hotels and restaurants are in 

writing. 

2. Ensure that dignitaries will be met and bade farewell by officers of commensurate 

rank whenever this is possible. As a general rule, this requires that a flag officer be present at the 

arrival and departure of a flag officer that is on an official visit. 

3. Ensure that all drivers of the official party are briefed regarding their schedules and 

are given explicit directions in order that they may operate independently if they become 

separated Ii-em the other cars. 

4. Prepare a folio, which contains at least a map of the area, the local schedule, and lists 

of room assignments and telephone numbers for presentation to each member of the visiting” 

Pm. 

5. Provide billeting for the U.S. escort officer in the same building as the dignitary 

whenever possible. Otherwise, make adequate transportation available to this escort. 

6. Provide sufficient time in the schedule not only for meetings, calls, meals, etc., but 

also for changes of clothes, coffee breaks, occasional rest periods, and transportation. The 

planner should actually time the travel from place to place and allow extra time for boarding 

vehicles and baggage transfer. 

7. Foreign dignitaries are usually accompanied by one or more aides of their own armed 

service. Frequently, the latter are officers of the highest caliber who are destined for fiture 

positions of authority in their country. They often form lasting impressions about the United 

States and the Navy on the basis of the treatment accorded them as members of a visiting party. 

Special attention should also be given to their transportation, dining, and recreational 

arrangements and needs. 

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8. It is important to consider the cultural background of visiting foreign dignitaries and 

accommodate wherever possible individual religious preferences, food or beverage restrictions. 

Minimally, their living accommodations should be single rooms in hotels and in BOQS where 

room assignments should be made in keeping with their status as members of a dignitary’s party 

rather than their rank. 

9. Give careful attention to scheduling the itineraries of spouses of guests, especially 

those of foreign guests. After determining their interests and programming them insofar as 

possible, plan additionally: 

a. Sight-seeing trips to view places of historic interest, scenery, or whatever the 

local area best affords. 

b. Shopping tours, provided excellent stores offering American-made products 

area available. These may include fashion shows. 

c. Spouse luncheons. When the dignitary is given a stag luncheon, the spouse 

should be given a luncheon by the U.S. host/hostess or by another high-ranking official’s spouse. 

Not only American officials’ spouses should attend, but also notable local citizenry including 

those of the same national origin as the guest and spouses of consular officials in the area, etc., 

should be invited. 

d. Teas hosted by one or several U.S. spouses to honor the visitor and 

companions. 

10. When planning gift exchange between a visiting foreign dignitary and hisfier host, 

careful attention must be given to the amount expended for the gifts. Specific guidelines for gift 

exchange are found in the Official Representation Fund Instruction (SECNAVINST 7042.7J). If 

a visiting foreign dignitary is fi-om one of the Latin American countries, guidelines are found in 

SECNAVINST 7042. 13A. 

11. It is oflen helpful to prepare a checklist when planning any visit in order to avoid any 

oversights. 

THE ESCORT 

OFFICER 

The local escort officer should be carefidly chosen and briefed on all facets of the local 

schedule, including potential problems and their probably “bestsolutions. A written or oral 

briefing should also be provided the U.S. escort officer who will be accompanying a foreign 

dignitary throughout the entire tour. Such briefings shoulcl include the following oftenoverlooked 

items. 

1. Establish the uniform requirements for all planned activities. Ensure that escorts 

know that they too must be in the requisite uniform for each event. 

2. Ensure the local escort officer keeps the U.S. escort officer apprised of the schedule 

and any changes thereto, and makes every attempt to avoic[ the element of surprise. The U.S. 

escort officer should be consulted in order to keep abreast of any special requests or desires of 

the dignitary. 

3. Ensure that both escort officers know the local short-notice cleaning facilities that 

exist, and facilitate any cleaning desired by the dignitary or escort. 

4. Inform the U.S. escort officer of the toasts that will be offered at formal luncheons and 

dinners and of the appropriate responses thereto. Also noti~ hin-dher of any speeches or press 

interviews, which may have been scheduled in keeping with the desires of the dignitary. 

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5. Provide the escorts with information or reference material concerning the handling of 

any emergency regarding messing, transportation, medical needs, etc. that may arise. 

Whenever possible the U.S. escort officer should participate in the events scheduled for 

the dignitary since he/she is the personal representative of the U.S. host, and his/her stature in the 

visitor’s eyes should be preserved. Occasionally, space may preclude the escort’s inclusion in 

certain social events. Then, other provisions for the escort’s entertainment should be made by 

the activity. 

It is wise to provide an escort for a foreign wife, taking into consideration any language 

barrier that may exist, her age, and position. Escorts may be drawn fi-om among officers or 

service wives whose language capabilities, travel, or position would make them valuable to the 

guest. 

HONORS 

Honors ceremonies often cause undue consternation. Navy Regulations are sufficiently 

detailed to answer all questions that may arise concerning appropriate honors to a U.S. or foreign 

dignitary. Only those officials and officers specified by title or grade in iVayVRegulations are 

entitled to honors. 

It is noteworthy that during honors to a foreign official, either ashore or afloat, the 

national flag of the visitor is hoisted during the salute. Lfthe foreign visitor is a military official, 

the visitor’s personal flag, if provided, maybe flown for honors ceremonies and fi-om 

automobiles while aboard a naval activity. If no flag is prcwided by a foreign military officer, 

the appropriate flag of a U.S. Navy officer with stars equivalent to the foreigner’s grade maybe 

flown from a car, and a comparable plate shown on a military plane transporting the dignitary. 

Flags for specific positions (i.e., SECNAV, CNO, VCNO, etc.) are not to be used for 

visitors. In these cases, either the military rank equivalent flag (for officers) or national ensign 

(for civilians) should be used for honor ceremonies. 

During all first official visits for foreign service chiefs, the rank of the visitor is equal to 

that of the U.S. counterpart. Therefore, a U.S. Navy line officer four star flag is flown for 

visiting foreign navy chiefs (not CNO personal flag) even though the individual’s military rank 

may be less than O-10 pay grade. 

ENTERTAINMENT OF FOREIGN DIGNITARIES 

There is a tendency in planning a local itinerary to resort to the more mundane type of 

entertainment because its frequency of occurrence makes it easiest to plan. Use distinctive local 

resources to vary the guests’ exposure to American forms of entertainment. Also consider the 

feasibility of using ships’ wardrooms for luncheons ador dinners as well as the usual shore 

facilities. Exposure to enlarged social circles can be accomplished by having the hosting 

responsibility shared by different groups. Local Navy League and civic organizations are often 

willing to help entertain visiting dignitaries. 

While it is true that it is preferable to invite persons of comparable station to a dinner or 

small party, it is suggested that some variety may improve larger functions such as receptions. 

Accordingly, an attempt should be made to include foreigners of the same national origin as the 

guest of honor as well as a representative selection of junior officers. 

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Also noteworthy, as a general rule the color white should be avoided. The color white is 

a sign of death and is used for funerals in many nations – mainly Far East countries. Therefore, 

all-white floral arrangements, white cars and white gifts and those wrapped in white should be 

avoided. 

DIETARY RESTRICTIONS OF FOREIGN DIGNITARIES 

When entertaining foreign guests, it is important to consider any dietary restrictions they 

may have prior to planning the menu. Avoiding these items or offering alternatives will make 

any event a success. Various religions have dietary restrictions such as those listed below: 

Islam: Pork or pork products or food prepared by using pork products (grease) are forbidden. 

Alcoholic beverages are also forbidden, but may take exception to the rule, Fruit juice 

can be served for toasting. 

Hinduism: Pork and beef or their products are forbidden. Dairy products may not be acceptable 

to some. Many Hindus are vegetarians. 

Buddhism: No dietary restrictions, although some do not eat meat. 

Judaism: Pork, shellfish, and certain parts of the cow are forbidden by Orthodox Jews. Milk 

and meat should not be served together; several hours must pass between consumption of 

these. 

Mormons: Coffee, tea, and alcoholic beverages are not drunk. Many prefer plain food. 

The following chart lists very general restrictions found in certain countries. This does 

not allow for individual dietary restrictions due to the religious, medical or personal preferences. 

Therefore, one should determine if any of these restrictions also exist. In general, fish and fowl 

are universally acceptable. When restrictions do exist, guard against serving any derivation of 

them. It is also wise to always have a variety of non-alcoholic beverages available to those who 

prefer. 

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RECORD 

OF DIETARY 

RESTRICTIONS 

Country No Beef No Pork No Restrictions Other 

Argentina 

x 

Australia 

Austria 

Belgium 

Bolivia 

G 

Brazil 

I 

Bulgaria i x 

Burma 

x 

Cameroon 

x 

Canada ! x 

Chile 

x 

China 

x 

Colombia 

x 

Czechoslovakia 

x 

Denmark 

x 

Dominican 

Republic 

x 

Ecuador 

x 

Egypt 

x 

El Salvador 

x 

Ethiopia 

x 

Finland 

x 

France 

x 

Germany 

x 

Ghana 

x 

Great Britain 

x 

Greece 

x 

Guatemala 

x 

Haiti 

x 

Honduras 

x 

Hungary 

x 

India x x 

Indonesia 

x 

Iran x No alcohol 

Israel 

x 

Italy 

x 

Japan 

x 

Jordan 

x 

Korea 

x 

Lebanon 

x 

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RECORD OF DIETARY RESTRICTIONS 

Country No Beef No Pork No Restrictions Other 

Malaysia 

x 

Mexico 

x 

Morocco 

x 

Nepal 

x 

Netherlands 

x 

New Zealand I x 

Nicaragua 

x 

Nigeria 

x 

Norway 

x 

Pakistan 

x 

Panama 

x 

Paraguay 

x 

Peru 

x 

Philippines 

x 

Poland 

x 

Portugal 

x 

Romania 

x 

Russia 

x 

Saudi Arabia x No alcohol 

South Africa 

x 

Spain 

x 

SriLanka x No fish, no eggs 

Sudan 

x 

Sweden 

x 

Switzerland 

x 

Thailand 

x 

Tunisia 

x 

Turkey 

x 

Uruguay 

x 

Venezuela 

x 

Yugoslavia 

x 

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CHAPTER 12 

Forms of Address 

The following diagrams listed alphabetically indicate the title and forms of address for 

certain distinguished Americans and foreigners and are offered as ready reference for those 

whose official duties may involve them in writing or oral exchange with these persons. 

In addition, the following general rules apply: 

“His/Her Excellency” is used in addressing a foreign ambassador. It is written out 

on the line above his/her name, and a little to the left. Occasionally, it is abbreviated as ‘(H.E.” 

just before the name, but this format is less acceptable. 

“The Honorable” is used in addressing American ambassadors and other high 

officials of the government as indicated in the following list. Once an individual receives this 

title, he/she retains it despite retirement from the position. 

When inviting a married woman because of her position, it is appropriate to mention her 

name and/or title first, followed by her husband. That is, tlhe American Ambassador and Mr. 

Doe. Conversely, if the invitation is extended because of his official position, use his title and/or 

name first, followed by hers: 

The Honorable..., 

and Mrs. Smith 


There may be occasions in which it is desirable to use both individuals’ titles, but in 

general, this is cumbersome. 

Married Military Woman. When a married servicewoman is invited in her official 

capacity to an event, the invitation should indicate her rank: 

-- If her husband is a civilian: 

Commander Maureen Therese Green and Mr. Green 

-- If her husband is also in the military: 

Commander Elizabeth Eileen Smith 

Captain Timothy Daniel Smith 

If, however, the invitation is being sent because of the husband’s official position, the 

invitation should read: 

Captain Thomas Francis Jones 

and Captain Shawn Claire Jones 

or 

Captain and Mrs. Thomas Jones 

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Other Forms of Address 

A Navy chaplain is always addressed verbally as “Chaplain.” 

Chaplain Ray Burt or Chaplain Burt 

In writing or in formal announcement, he/she is addressed as: 

-- Chaplain Ray Burt 

Captain, U.S. Navy 

(Title, if any) 

-- Dear Chaplain Burt, 

A Navy dentist or doctor is addressed verbally as Doctor up to and including the rank of 

Lieutenant Commander, He/she is addressed by rank from Commander and above. In all cases, 

the rank is used in writing. 

Midshipman is a rank and therefore used for both males and females. 

Midshipman Brian Richard Smith 

Midshipman Mary Louise Taylor 

Introductions 

There are three basic rules to remember when introducing two individuals: 

-- A man is introduced to a woman. 

-- A younger adult is introduced to an older adult of the same sex. 

-- An officer of lower rank is introduced to one of higher rank. 

In general, most introductions go wrong when an individual is too wordy. The following 

formats are best: 

Smith. ” 

“Mrs. Smith – Mr. Jones” (directed to Mrs. Smith) 

“General Smith – Captain W?zite” (directed to General Smith) 

“l%is is Admiral Jones” spoken to Mrs. Smith, then to the Admiral, “Mrs. 

When formal introductions are necessary (high church, military, or government officials, 

royalty or guest speaker) the following is appropriate: 

“Mrs. White, I have the honor to present Mr. Smith” 

“Admiral Jones, may Ipresent Ensign Doe” 

AMERICAN 

DIGNITARIES 

(For simplicity, the male gender is used throughout. When the official is a woman, change those 

parts which are italicized -- first names, Madam for Mister when preceding a title, and Mr. for 

Mrs. when referred to a spouse.) 

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American 

Dignitaries 

POSITION: Ambassador of the United States (on leave or retired) ] 

Envelope: Oficial: The HonorableJohn Ryan 

Social: The HonorableJohn RyanandMrs. Ryan 

Invitationz: 

PlaceCard: 

Salutation 

Complimentary 

Close: 

Conversation: 

In conversation: 

Announcedas: 

Mr. and Mrs.Ryan 

Mr. Ryan 

Mrs. Rvan 

DearMr. Ryan: 

Sincerelyyours, 

Mr. Ryan 

Mrs.Ryan 

“AmbassadorJohn Ryan” 

“TheHonorableJohn Ryan,Ambassadorof the United States” 

or 

“TheHonorableJohn Ryan,FormerAmbassadorof the United States” 

POSITION: Ambassador of the United States (on post) 

Envelope: Oficiak The HonorableGoodwin Ryan 

AmericanAmbassador 

Social: The AmericanAmbassadorandMrs. Ryan 

Invitation: 

PlaceCard: 

Salutation: 

Complimentary 

Close: 

Conversation 


Announcedas: 

The AmericanAmbassadorandMrs. Ryan 

The AmericanAmbassador 

Mrs. Ryan 

DearMr. Ambassador: 


Mr. Ambassador 

Mrs. Ryan 


“TheHonorableJohn Ryan,Ambassadorof the United States” 

1It shouldbenotedthatwhiletheinvitation,salutation,andconversationformsindicatedforretiredambassadorsarecorrect,it is 

commonpracticewhendealingwitha notable,retired,careerambassadorofmanyyearsserviceto use“Ambassador andMrs. 

Ryan”ontheinvitation,“DearMr.Ambassador” insalutation,and“Mr.Ambassador” inconversation. 

2Namesshouldbepositionedontheinvitationpreciselyasshown. 

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POSITION: Ambassador of the United States (woman) 

Envelope: Oficial: The HonorableMarie Ryan 

Social: The AmericanAmbassadorandMr. Ryan 

Invitation: 

PlaceCard: 

The AmericanAmbassadorandMr. Rvan 


Mr. Rvan 

Salutation: DearMadam Ambassador: 

Complimentary 

Close: 


Conversatioxx Madam Ambassador 

Mr. Ryan 

In conversation 

Announcedas: 

“AmbassadorMarie Rvan” 

“TheHonorableMarie Ryan,Ambassadorof the United States” 

POSITION: Ambassador of the United States (with militarv rank) 3 

Envelope: Oficial: AdmiralJohn Jays Ryan 


Social: The AmericanAmbassadorandMix. Ryan 

Invitation: 

Place Card: 

Salutation: 

Complimentary 

Close: 

Conversation: 


Announcedas: 

The AmericanAmbassadorandMrs. Ryan 


Mrs. Rvan 


DearAdmiralRyan: 



or 

AdmiralRyan 

Mrs. Ryan 


“AdmiralJohn Ryan,Ambassadorof the UnitedStates” 

3“TheHonorable”isnotusedif anAmericanmilitaryofficeretainshismilitarytitlewhenservingasambassadororminister. 

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POSITION: Assistant tothe President 

Envelope: Oficial: The HonorableThad Ryan 

Assistantto the President 

Social: The HonorableThad RvanandMrs. Rvan 

Invitation 

PlaceCard: 

Salutation: 

Complimentary 

Close: 

Conversation: 


Announcedas: 

Mr. and Mrs. Ryan 

Mr. Ryan 

Mrs. Ryan 

DearMr. Ryan: 


Mr. Ryan 

Mrs. Ryan 

“Mr. Thad Ryan” 

“TheHonorableThad Ryan,Assistantto the Presidentfor...“ 

POSITION: Assistant Secretaries of Executive and Military Departments 

Envelope: OficiaL The HonorableNorton B. Ryan 

AssistantSecretaryof the Navy 

Social: The HonorableNorton B. RyanandMrs. Ryan 

Invitation 

PlaceCard: 

Salutation 

Complimentary 

Close: 

Conversation: 


Mr. Ryan 

Mrs. Ryan 

DearMr. Ryan: 


Mr. Ryan 

Mrs.Ryan 

In conversation: “Mr. Norton Ryan” 

Announcedas: “TheHonorableNorton B. Ryan,AssistantSecretaryof the Navy” 

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171O.7A 

POSITION: Associate Justice of the Supreme Court 

Envelope: 

Invitation: 

PlaceCard: 

Salutation: 

Complimentary 

Close: 

Conversation: 


Announcedas: 

Oji?cial: Mr. JusticeRyan 

The SupremeCourtof the UnitedStates 

Social: Mr. JusticeRyanand Mrs. Wan 

Mr. JusticeRyanandMrs. Ryan 

Mr. JusticeRyan 

Mrs. Ryan 

DearMr. Justice: 



Mrs. Ryan 

“Mr. JusticeRyan” 

“TheHonorableJohn Jones Ryan,AssociateJusticeof the SupremeCourtof the United 

States” 

POSITION: Cabinet Officer: Secretarv of Defense 

Envelope: 

Invitation: 

PlaceCard: 

Salutation: 

Complimentary 

Close: 

Conversation 


Announcedas: 

Official: The HonorableJohn Paul Ryan 

Secretaryof Defense 

Social: The HonorableJohnPaul Ryan 

The Secretarvof Defenseand Mrs. Ryan 

The Secretaryof DefenseandMrs. Ryan 

The Secretaryof Defense 

Mrs. Ryan 

DearMr. Secretary: 


Mr. Secretary 

Mrs. Rvan 

“SecretaryJohn Ryan” 

“TheHonorableJohn Ryan,Secretaryof Defense” 

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POSITION: Cabinet Officer: The Attorney Genera14 

Envelope: Oficial: The HonorableSpencer Ryan 

Social: The HonorableSpencer Ryan 

The AttorneyGeneralandMrs. Ryan 

Invitation 

Place Card: 

Salutation: 

Complimentary 

Close: 

Conversation: 

The AttorneyGeneralandMrs. Ryan 

The AttorneyGeneral 

Mrs. Ryan 

DearMr. AttorneyGeneral: 


Mr. AttorneyGeneral 

Mrs. Ryan 

In conversation: “AttorneyGeneralSpencer Ryan” 

Announcedas: “TheHonorableSpencer Ryan,AttorneyGeneral” 

POSITION: Charp6 d’Affaires ad interim of the United States 

Envelope: OficiaL Paul Fay Ryan,Esquire 

AmericanCharged’Affairesad interim 

Social: The AmericanChargLd’Affairesand Mrs. Ryan 

Invitation: 

PlaceCard: 

Salutation: 

Complimentary 

Close: 

Conversation: 


Announcedas: 

Mr. andMrs. Ryan 

TheAmericanCharg6d’Affaires 

Mrs. Ryan 

DearMr. Ryan: 


Mr. Ryan 

Mrs. Ryan 

“Mr. Paul Ryan” 

“Mr. Paul Ryan,The AmericanCharg5d’A~fairesad interim” 

4TheAttorneyGeneralandPostmasterGeneralaretheonlyCabinetofficerswhodonotusethetitleofSecretary. 

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POSITION: The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States 

Envelope: Oficia[: The ChiefJustice 

The SupremeCourtof the Unkd States 

Social: The ChiefJusticeandMrs. Ryan 

Invitation: 

PlaceCard: 

Salutation 

Complimentary 

Close: 

Conversation: 


Announcedas: 

The ChiefJusticeandMrs. Ryan 

The ChiefJustice 

Mrs. Rvan 

DearMr. ChiefJustice: 


Mr. ChiefJustice 

Mrs. Rvan 

“ChiefJusticeJohn Rvan” 

“TheHonorableJohn Jones Ryan,The ChiefJusticeof the United States” 

POSITION: Congressman (U. S.) or Congresswomans 

Envelope: Ojiciak The HonorableJames Ryan 

Houseof Representatives 

Social: TheHonorableJames RyanandMrs. Ryan 

Invitation: 

Place Card: 

Salutation: 

Complimentary 

Close: 

Conversation: 


Mr. and Mrs.Ryan 

Mr. Ryan 

Mrs. Ryan 

DearMr. Ryan: 


Mr. Ryan 

Mrs. Ryan 

“CongressmanJames Ryan”or “Congresswoman” 

Announcedas: “CongressmanJames Ryanof Hawaii”or “Congresswoman” 

5Theprefix“Representative” isneverusedincorrespondence. Thetitles“Representative” or“Congressman” areusedorally 

onlyontheflooroftheHouse,orinintroductions. 

12-8 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

POSITION: Consul General, Consul or Vice Consul ofl[he United States 

Envelope: Oficial: John Ryan,Esquire 

AmericanConsulGeneral 

Social: Mr. and Mrs. John Ryan 

Invitation: 

PlaceCard: 

Salutation: 

Complimentary 

Close: 

Conversation: 


Announcedas: 

Mr. and Mrs.Rvan 

The AmericanConsulGeneral 

Mrs. Ryan 

DearMr. Ryan: 


Mr. Ryan 

Mrs. Ryan 

“Mr. John Ryan” 

“M-. John Ryan,ConsulGeneralof the United States” 

POSITION: Former President of the United States of A]merica6 

Envelope: Oficial: The HonorableJames Lee Ryan 

Social: The HonorableJamesLeeRyanand Mrs. Ryan 

Invitation: 

PlaceCard: 

Salutation: 

Complimentary 

Close: 

Conversation 


Announcedas: 

Mr. andMrs. Ryan 

Mr. Ryan 

Mrs. Ryan 

DearMr. Ryan: 


Mr. Ryan 

Mrs. Rvan 

“PresidentJames Ryan” 

“TheHonorableJames Ryan” 

6AformerPresidentreceivesthecourtesytitle,“TheHonorable,”unlikewhenheis inthatoffice. 

12-9 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

POSITION: Governor of a State 


The Governorof NewYork 

Social: The HonorableJohn Ryan 

The Governorof NewYorkandMrs. Ryan 

Invitation: 

Place Card: 

Salutation 

Complimentary 

Close: 

Conversation: 


Announcedas: 

GovernorandMrs. Ryan 

GovernorRyan 

Mrs. Ryan 

Dear GovernorRyan: 


GovernorRyan 

Mrs. Ryan 

“GovernorJohn Ryan” 

“TheHonorableJohn Ryan,Governorof NewYork” 

POSITION: 

Judge of a Court 


Judgeof the UnitedStates 

DistrictCourtfor the SouthernDistrictof Texas 

Social: The HonorableJohnRyan andMrs. Ryan 

Invitation 

PlaceCard: 

Salutation: 

Complimentary 

Close: 

Conversation: 


Announcedas: 

JudgeandMrs. Ryan 

JudgeRyan 

Mrs. Ryan 

DearJudgeRyan: 


JudgeRyan 

Mrs. Ryan 

“JudgeJohn Ryan” 

“TheHonorableJohn Ryan,Judgeof the UnitedStatesDistrictCourt for the Southern 

Districtof Texas” 

12-10 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

POSITION: 

Mavors 

Envelope: 

Invitation: 

PlaceCard: 

Salutation: 

Complimentary 

Close: 

Conversation: 


O@cial: The HonorableRobert Ryan 

Mayorof SanFrancisco 

Social: The HonorableRobert RyanandMrs. Ryan 

MayorandMrs. Ryan 

MayorRyan 

Mrs. Rvan 

DearMavorRvan: 


Mr. Mayor 

Mrs. Ryan 

“MavorRobert Rvan” 

Announcedas: “TheHonorableRobert Ryan,Mayorof SanFrancisco” 

POSITION: Minister of an U.S. Legation 

Envelope: Oflcial: The HonorableCabot Ryan 

Minister,AmericanLegation 

Social: The HonorableCabot RyanandMrs. Ryan 

Invitation: 

PlaceCard 

Salutation 

Complimentary 

Close: 

Conversation: 


Announcedas: 

The AmericanMinisterandMrs. Ryan 

The AmericanMinister 

Mrs. Rvan 

DearMr. Minister: 


Mr. Minister 

Mrs. Ryan 

“MinisterCabot Ryan” 

“TheHonorableCabot Ryan,Ministerof the AmericanLegation” 

12-11 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

POSITION: Minister of an U.S. Legation (woman) 

Envelope: O#icial: The HonorableClare Ryan 

Minister,AmericanLegation 

Social: TheHonorableClare RyanandMiv.Ryan 

Invitation: 

Place Card: 

The AmericanMinisterandMr. Ryan 

The AmericanMinister 

Mr. Rvan 

Salutation: DearMadam Minister: 

Complimentary 

Close: 


Conversation: Madam Minister 

Mr. Ryan 


Announcedas: 

“MinisterC/are Rvan” 

“TheHonorableClare Ryan,Ministerof the AmericanLegation” 

POSITION: President of the United States of America 

Envelope: Oficial The President 

The WhiteHouse 

Social: The PresidentandMrs. Ryan 


Invitation: 

PlaceCard: 

Salutation 

The PresidentandMrs. Ryan 

The President 

Mrs. Rvan 

DearMr. President 

Complimentary 

Close: Formal ~cial: Respectfully yours, 

Informal Oji?cial: Faithfullyyours, 

Conversation: 


Announcedas: 

Mr. President 

Mrs. Ryan 

“PresidentJohn Ryan” 

“ThePresidentof the UnitedStatesof America” 

12-12 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun2001 

171O.7A 

POSITION: Presiding Judge 

Envelope: 0j7icial: The HonorableJohn Ryan 

PresidingJudge 

AppellateDivision 

SupremeCourt 

Social: Mr. JusticeRyanandMrs. Ryan 

Invitation: 

Place Card: 

Salutation: 

Complimentary 

Close: 

Conversation: 


Announcedas: 

Mr. JusticeRvan andMrs. Rvan 


Mrs. Ryan 




Mrs. Ryan 

“Mr} JusticeRyan” 

“TheHonorableJohn Ryan,PresidingJusti;e of the AppellateDivisionof the Supreme 

court” 

POSITION: Secretaries of the Armed Services’ 

Envelope: Ojkial: The HonorableThomas John Ryan 

Secretaryof the Navy 

Social: The HonorableThomas John Ryan 

The Secretaryof the NavyandM-s. Ryan 

Invitation: 

PlaceCard: 

Salutation: 

Complimentary 

Close: 

Conversation. 

In conversatiorx 

Announcedas: 

The Secretaryof the NavyandMrs. Ryan 

The Secretaryof the Navy 

Mrs. Ryan 



Mr. Secretary 

Mrs. Ryan 

“SecretaryThomas Ryan” 

“TheHonorableThomas Ryan,Secretaryof the Navy” 

7Althoughthe Secretariesof the armedservicesarenot cabinetofficers,they areby customaddressedin the same 

manneras membersof the Cabinet. 

12-13 

Enclosure (1)

OPNAWNST 

15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

POSITION: 

Senator (U. S.) 

Envelope: O@cial: The HonorableRhett Ryan 

UnitedStatesSenate 

Social: The HonorableWzettRyanandMrs. Ryan 

Invitation: 

PlaceCard: 

Salutation: 

Complimentary 

Close: 

Conversation: 


Announcedas: 

SenatorandMrs. Ryan 

SenatorRyan 

Mrs. Ryan 

Dear SenatorRyan 


SenatorRyan 

Mrs. Ryan 

“SenatorRhett Ryan” 

“TheHonorableRhett Ryan,UnitedStatesSenator” 

POSITION: The Speaker of the House of Representatives 

Envelope: Oficial: The HonorableJohn Henry Ryan 

Speakerof the Houseof Representatives 

Social: The Speakerof the Houseof Representativesand Mrs. Ryan 

Invitation: 

Place Card: 

Salutation: 

Complimentary 

Close: 

Conversation: 


Announcedas: 

The SpeakerandMrs. Ryan 

The Speaker 

Mrs. Ryan 

DearMr. Speaker: 


Mr. Speakeror Speaker 

Mrs. Ryan 

“SpeakerJohn Ryan” 

“TheHonorableJohn Ryan,Speakerof the Houseof Representatives” 

12-14 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

Foreign Dignitaries 

POSITION: 

Ambassador 

Envelope: Oficiak His Excellency8PierreRyan 

Ambassadorof 

Social: His ExcellencyThe Ambassadorof 

andMrs. Ryan 

Invitation: The Ambassadorof andMrs. Ryan 

Place Card: 

Salutation: 

Complimentary 

Close: 

Conversation: 

In conversation. 

Announcedas: 

The Ambassadorof 

Mrs.Ryan 


Sincerelvvours. 


Mrs. Ryan 

“AmbassadorPierre Rvan” 

“TheAmbassadorof 

,, 

POSITION: Ambassador with personal title of royalty or nobility 

Envelope: 

Ojj$cial: His RoyalHighness 

Ambassador of 

Social: His RoyalHighness 

The Ambassadorof _and Princess Ryan 

Invitation: The Ambassadorof and Princess Ryan 

PlaceCard: 

Salutation: 

Complimentary 

Close: 

Conversation: 


Announcedas: 

The Ambassadorof 

Princess Ryan 

DearMr. Ambassador 



YourRoyalHighness(wife) 

“PrinceGeorge Ryan” 

“TheAmbassadorof 

,, 

8 “HisExcellency”is used in addressinga foreignambassadorin the United Statesand elsewhere. 

12-15 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

POSITION: Charg6 d’ Affaires ad interim 

Envelope: Oficial Mr. Donald Ryan 

Charg6d’ Affairesad interimof 

Social: The Charg&d’ Affairesad interimof 

andMrs. Rvan 

Invitation: Charg4d’ Affairesad interimof andMrs. Ryan 

PlaceCard: 

Salutation: 

Complimentary 

Close: 

Conversation 

Charg6d’ Affairesad interimof 

Mrs. Ryan 

DearMr. Charsz6d’ Affaires: 


Mr. Ryan 

Mrs. Ryan 

In conversation: “Mr. Donald Ryan” 

Announcedas: “Mr. Donald Ryau Charged’ Affairesad interimof 

,, 

POSITION: 

KhM 

Envelope: Oficial His MajestyFrederickIX 

King ofDenmark 

Social: TheirMajesties 

The King andQueenof Denmaik 

Invitation: 

PlaceCard: 

Salutation: 

Complimentary 

Close: 

Conversation: 


Announcedas: 

His MaiestvThe Kim of Denmark 

His MajestyThe Kingof Denmark 

Her MajestyThe Queenof Denmark 

YourMajesty: 

Respectfullyyours, 

YourMajesty 

YourMajesty(Queen) 

“HisMajestyFrederickIX. 

“HisMajestyThe Kingof Denmark” 

12-16 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

POSITION: Minister of an Embassy9 


BritishEmbassy 

Social: The HonorableJohn RvanandMrs. Rvan 

Invitation: 

PlaceCard: 

Salutation: 

Complimentary 

close: 

Conversation: 


Announcedas: 


Mr. Ryan 

Mrs. Ryan 

DearMr. Rvan: 


Mr. Ryan 

Mrs. Ryan 

“Mr. John Ryan” 

“TheHonorableJohn Rya%Ministerof 

,, 

POSITION: Minister plenipotentiary of a Legation 

Envelope: Oficial: The HonorableCharles Ryan 

Ministerof 

Social: The HonorableCharles Ryan 

Ministerof 

andMrs. Ryan 

Invitation: The Ministerof andMrs. Ryan 

PlaceCard: 

Salutation: 

Complimentary 

Close: 

Conversation: 

The Ministerof 

Mrs. Ryan 



Mr. Minister 

Mrs. Ryan 

Announcedas: 

“TheHonorableCharles Ryan,Ministerof_ 

,, 

9 This positionis slightlysenior to that of counselor of embassy and there maybe one or several ministers in addition to an 

ambassador at the embassy or to a minister plenipotentiary at a legation. 

12-17 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun2001 

POSITION: President of a Republic 

Envelope: O@cial: His ExcellencyLeopold Ryan 

Presidentof the Republicof _ 

Social: His Excellency 

The Presidentof the Republicof 

andMrs. Ryan 

Invitation: 

His Excellency 

The President of the Republic of and A4rs. Ryan 

Place Card: The Presidentof the Republicof _ 

Mrs. Ryan 

Salutation: 

Complimentary 

Close: 

Conversation: 

DearMr. President: 


Mr. President 

Mrs. Ryan 

In conversation: “President Leopold Ryan” 

Announced as: “His Excellency The President of the Republic of )“ 

POSITION: 

Prime Minister 

Envelope: Official: His Excellency’” Johan Ryan 

The Prime Minister of _ 

Social: His Excellency 

The Prime Minister of and Mrs. Ryan 

Invitation: The PrimeMinisterof and Mrs. Ryan 

PlaceCard: 

Salutation: 

Complimentary 

Close: 

Conversation: 

The PrimeMinisterof 

Mrs. Ryan 

DearMr. PrimeMinister: 

DearPrimeMinister:11 


Mr. PrimeMinister 

Mrs. Rvan 

In conversation: “PrimeMinisterJohan Rvan” 

Announcedas: 

“ThePrimeMinisterof 

,, 

I 0In Britain and otlen in North Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, the Prime Minister is a member of the 

British Privy Council and therefore has the title the Right Honorable. The official envelope would show The Right Hon. John 

Ryan, P.C., M.P., Prime Minister of Canada. 

11Used for the British Prime Minister only. 

12-18 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

POSITION: 

Queen 

Envelope: Oficial: Her MajestyElizabethII 

Queenof England 

Social: Her MajestyElizabethII 

and His RoyalHighnessThe PrincePhilip 

Duke of Edinburgh 

Invitation: 

PlaceCard: 

Salutation: 

Complimentary 

Close: 

Conversation: 

In Conversation: 

Announcedas: 

Her Majesty 

The Queenof England 

HerMajesty 

The Queenof England 

YourMajesty: 


YourMajestyor Ma’am(in long conversation) 

YourRoyalHighness(husband) 

“HerMajesty,QueenElizabethH“ 

“HerMajesty,QueenElizabethII or “HerMajesty,The Queenof England” 

12-19 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun2001 

171O.7A 

Military 

POSITION: Admiral, Vice Admiral, Rear Admira112 

Envelope: Oficial: Admiral John Paul Ryan,USN 

PositionTitle 

Social: AdmiralandMrs. John Paul Ryan 

Invitation: Admiral and Mrs. Rvan 

Place Card 

Salutation: 

Complimentary 

Close: 

Conversation: 


AdmiralRyan 

Mrs. Rvan 



AdmiralRyan 

Mrs. Rvan 

“AdmiralJohn Rvan” 

Announcedas: “AdmiralJohn Ryan (position title)” 

POSITION: General, Lieutenant General, Ma.ior General, Brigadier General 

Envelope: Oflcial LieutenantGeneralJames Day Rytm,USA 

Social: LieutenantGeneralandMrs. James Day Ryan 

Invitation: 

PlaceCard: 

Salutation: 

Complimentary 

Close: 

Conversation 


Announcedas: 

GeneralandMrs. Rvan 

GeneralRyan 

Mrs. Rvan 

Dear GeneralRvan: 


GeneralRyan 

Mrs. Ryan 

“LieutenantGeneralJames Ryan” 

“LieutenantGeneralJames Ryan,(positiontitle)” 

12The specific rank of naval ofticers is customarily used on invitations and place cards as well as on envelopes. 

12-20 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

POSITION: British and Commonwealth Navies*3 

Envelope: Oficial: First Sea Lord 

AdmiralSir Peter RyanGCB1)S0 

Social: First SeaLord 

AdmiralSir Peter Ryanand Lady Ryan 

Invitation: Admiral Sir Peter Ryan and Lady Ryan 

PlaceCard: 

Salutation: 

Complimentary 

Close: 

Conversation: 


Announcedas: 

AdmiralSir Peter Ryan 

Lady Ryan 


Dear Sir Peter: 


AdmiralRyanor Sir Peter 

Lady Ryan 

“AdmiralSir Peter Rvan” 

“FirstSeaLord,AdmiralSir Peter Ryan” 

POSITION: 

Envelope: 

Foreign military with title of nobility 

Ojj?cial: Major Count Ivan Ryan 

Social: Major Count Ivan Ryan andthe Countess Ryan 

Invitation: Major Count Ryanand the Countess Ryan 

PlaceCard: 

Salutation: 

Complimentary 

Close: 

Conversation: 


Announcedas: 

Major Count Ryan 

CountessRvan 

DearMajor Ryan: 

Dear Count Rvan: 


MajorRyanor CountRyan 

Countess Ryan 

“Major Count Ivan Ryan” 

“Major Count Ivan Ryan” 

~’RN” 

are placed after any other initials following the surnames of Royal Navy officers, except flag otllcers who do 

not use the RN at all. 

12-21 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

INITIALS OF BRITISH HONORS, DECORATIONS AND MEDALS 

The initials of various distinctions are placed after the surname whenever the individual’s 

name appears alone and on envelopes, and in the address section of a letter. They rank as 

follows: Orders of knighthood, decorations, medals, civil distinctions, academic degrees, 

fellowship in royal societies, and membership in religious orders. 

It is customary to put only two abbreviations after a name, using the two differing honors 

highest in rank for this purpose and adding “etc.”, if the addressee has more than two. The 

abbreviations are in capital letters, with no punctuation, as “’Admiral Sir Peter Ryan KBE CB 

DSO”. 

ORDERS OF KNIGHTHOOD ACCORDING TO PRECEDENCE 

The eight leading orders of knighthood – the Garter, the Thistle, St. Patrick, the Bath, the 

Star of India, St. Michael and St. George, the Indian Empire, and the Royal Victorian Order rank 

as follows: 

KG 

KT 

KP 

GCB 

OM 

GCSI 

CGMG 

GCIE 

GCVO 

GBE 

KCB 

KCSI 

KCMG 

KCIE 

KCVO 

KBE 

CB 

CSI 

CMG 

CIE 

Cvo 

CBE 

DSO 

MVo 

OBE 

ISO 

MVO 

MBE 

Knight of Companion of the Order of the Garter 

Knight of the Order of the Thistle 

Knight Companion of the Order of St. Patrick 

Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath 

Member of the Order of Merit 

Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Star of India 

Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St. Michael and St. George 

Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire 

Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order 

Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire 

Knight commander of the Order of the Bath 

Knight Commander of the Order of the Star of India 

Knight Commander of the Order of St. Michael and St. George 

Knight Commander of the Order of t’he Indian Empire 

Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order 

Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire 

Companion of the Order of the Bath 

Companion of the Order of the Star c~fIndia 

Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George 

Companion of the Order of the Indian Empire 

Companion of the Royal Victorian Order 

Commander of the Order of the Briti:sh Empire 

Companion of the Distinguished Service Order 

Member (4th class) of the Royal Victorian Order 

Officer of the Order of the British Empire 

Companion of the Imperial Service Ch-der 

Member (5th class) of the Royal Victorian Order 

Member of the Order of the British Empire 

12-22 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

ANNEX A 

Order of Precedence 

In ceremonies involving the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy units, the Marine unit 

shall be on the right of the line or the head of the column. The senior line officer, regardless of 

service, functions as the commander of the troops. 

The Order of Precedence of members of the Arrned[ Forces of the United States when in 

formation is as follows: 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

9. 

10. 

11. 

12. 

13, 

14< 

Cadets, United States Military Academy 

Midshipmen, United States Naval Academy 

Cadets, United States Air Force Academy 

Cadets, United States Coast Guard Academy 

United States Army 

United States Marine Corps 


United States Air Force 

United States Coast Guard 

Army National 

Army Reserve 

Marine Corps Reserve 

Naval Reserve 

Air National 

Guard of the United States 

Guard of the United States 

15, Air Force Reserve 

16, Coast Guard Reserve 

17. Other training organizations of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast 

Guard in that order. 

18. During any period when the United States Coast Guard shall operate as part of the 

United States Navy, the Cadets, United States Coast Guard Academy, the United 

States Coast Guard, and the Coast Guard Reserve shall take precedence, respectively, 

next after the Midshipmen, United States Naval Academy, the United States Navy 

and the Naval Reserve. 

A-1 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun2001 

171O.7A 

ANNEX B 

Foreign Service 

Military 

Equivalent 

FSOS Diplomatic Title Consular Title Rank SES/GS Rating 

CareerAmbassador Ambassador GenerallAdmiral SES-6 

CareerMinister Ambassador; LieutenantGeneral/ 

(FE-CM) MinisterCounselor ConsulGeneral ViceAdmiral SES-5 

Major General/ 

MinisterCounselor Ambassador; RearAdmiral SES-3and SES-4 

(FE-MC) Counselor ConsulGeneral (UpperHalt) 

BrigadierGeneral/ 

ConsulGeneral/ RearAdmiral 

Counselor(FE-OC) Counselor consul (LowerHal~ SES-1and SES-2 

Counselor;First ConsulGeneral; 

FSO-1 Secretary consul Colonel/ Captain GS-15 

LieutenantColonelI 

FSO-2 SecondSecretary Consul Commander 

GS-13and GS-14 

Major/ Lieutenant 

FSO-3 SecondSecretary Consul Commander GS-12 

FSO-4 SecondSecretary ViceConsul Captain/ Lieutenant GS-10andGS-11 

1stLieutenant/ 

LieutenantJunior 

FSO-5 Third Secretary ViceConsul Grade 

GS-8 andGS-9 

FSO-6 Third Secretary ViceConsul 2nd LieutenantI GS-7 

Ensign 

B-1 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun2001 

171O.7A 

ANNEx 

MILITARY RANKS OF THE ARMED FORCES 

Ranks I Rates 

0-10 Admiral/ General 

O-9ViceAdmiral/ LieutenantGeneral 

O-8RearAdmiral(UpperHalQ/ Major General 

O-7RearAdmiral(LowerHalf)/ BrigadierGeneral 

O-6 Captain/ Colonel 

O-5Commander/ LieutenantColonel 

O-4LieutenantCommander/ Major 

O-3Lieutenant/ Captain 

O-2LieutenantJuniorGrade/ First Lieutenant 

O-1Ensign/ SecondLieutenant 

W-5ChiefWarrantOfficer 

W-4ChiefWarrantOfficer 

W-3 Chief Warrant Officer 

W-2 Chief Warrant Officer 

W-1 Warrant Officer 

E-1 OMaster Chief Petty Officer of the Navy 

Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps 

SergeantMajorof the Army 

MasterChiefPetty Officerof the CoastGuard 

E-9MasterChiefPetty Officer(USN,USCG) 

SergeantMajor/ MasterGunnerySergeant(USMC) 

CommandSergeantMajor (USA) 

E-8 SeniorChiefPetty Officer(USN,USCG) 

First Sergeant/Master Sergeant(USMC) 

First Sergeant(USA) 

SeniorMasterSergeant(USAF) 

E-7 ChiefPettyOfTicer(USN,USCG) 

Gunnerysergeant (USMC) 

SergearitFirst Class(USA) 

E-6Petty OfficerFirst Class(USN,USCG) 

StaffSergeant(USMC,USA) 

TechnicalSergeant(USAF) 

E-5PettyOfficerSecondClass(USN,USCG) 

Sergeant (USMC, USA) 

Staff Sergeant (USAF) 

E-4 Petty Officer Third Class (USN,USCG) 

Corporal(USMC,USA) 

Sergeant(USAF) 

E-3 Seaman(USN,USCG) 

LanceCorporal(USMC) 

PrivateFirst Class(USA) 

E-2SearnanApprentice(USN,USCG) 

PrivateFirst Class(USMC) 

Private(USA) 

Airman(USAF) 

E-1SearnanRecruit(USN,USCG) 

Private (USMC, ‘USA “–no insignia) 

Airman Basic (USAF – no insignia) 

Navy 

ADM 

VADM 

RADM 

RDML 

CAPT 

CDR 

LCDR 

LT 

LTJG 

ENS 

CW05 

CW04 

CW03 

CW02 

Wo 

MCPON 

MCPO 

SCPO 

CPO 

Po 1 

P02 

P03 

SN 

SA 

SR 

c 

MariineCorps 

Gen 

LtGen 

h4[ajGen 

13Gen 

Col 

Ltcol 

Mai 

Capt 

l[stLt 

2ndLt 

w-5 

w-4 

w-3 

w-2 

w-1 

S,gtMaj 

S,gtMaj 

MGySgt 

lstsgt 

Msgt 

GySgt 

:Ssgt 

Sgt 

Cpl 

PFC 

Pvt 

LTG 

MG 

BG 

COL 

LTC 

MAJ 

CPT 

lLT 

2LT 

CW5 

CW4 

CW3 

CW2 

Wo 1 

SMA 

CSM 

1SG 

SFC 

SSG 

SGT 

CPL 

PFC 

PVT 

PVT 

Air Force 

Gen 

Lt Gen 

Maj Gen 

Brig Gen 

Col 

Lt Col 

Mai 

Capt 

1stLt 

2nd Lt 

----- 

----- 

----- 

----- 

----- 

CMSAF 

CMSgt 

SMSgt 

MSgt 

TSgt 

Ssgt 

Sgt 

AIC 

AB 

Coast Guard 

ADM 

VADM 

RADM 

RADM(L) 

CAPT 

CDR 

LCDR 

LT 

LTJG 

ENS 

CW05 

CW04 

CW03 

CW02 

Wo 

MCPOCG 

MCPO 

SCPO 

CPO 

Pol 

P02 

P03 

SN 

SA 

SR 

c-1 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

ANNEX D 

Military and Civilian Pay Grades 

— 

Military Grade Rank Civilian Grade 

[ 1 

o-1o 

Admiral 

SES (ES-6)* 

o-9 ViceAdmiral SES (ES-5&6)* 

O-8 

I 

Rear Admiral(UpperHalf) 

I 

SES (ES-5&4) 

o-7 Rear Admiral(LowerHalf) SES (ES-l-4) 

O-6 Captain Gs/GM-14/15 

o-5 Commander GS/GM-13/14 

o-4 LieutenantCommander GS-12 

o-3 Lieutenant GS-11 

o-2 LieutenantJuniorGrade GS-7/9 

o-1 Ensign GS-7 

E-9 MasterChiefPetty Officer GS-6 

E-8 SeniorChiefPetty Officer GS-6 

E-7 ChiefPetty Ofticer GS-6 I 

E-6 Petty OfficerFirst Class GS-5 

E-5 Petty OfficerSecondClass GS-5 

E-4 Petty OfilcerThird Class GS-4 

E-3 to E-1 Seaman GS-1-4 

*Dependson positionoccupied(i.e.,OSD,politicalappointee,specialii.ssistant, 

etc.) 

D-1 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun2001 

171O.7A 

Addressee 

Navy and Coast Guard Officers 

Admiral 

Vice Admiral 

Rear Admiral (Upper Half) (USN) 

Rear Admiral (Upper Half) (USCG) 

Rear Admiral (Lower Half) (USN) 

Rear Admiral (Lower Halfj (USCG) 

Captain 

Commander 

Lieutenant Commander 

Lieutenant 

Lieutenant Junior Grade 

Ensign 

Chief Warrant Officer 

ANNEX E 

Models of Adclress 

MILITARY 

Letter and Envelope 

ADM 

VADM 

RADM 

RADM 

RDML 

RADM (L) 

CAPT 

CDR 

LCDR 

LT 

LTJG 

ENS 

CW05 

CW04 

CW03 

CW02 

Salutation 

Dear Admiral (Surname): 

“ 

“ 

“ 

“ 

“ 

Dear Captain (Surname): 

Dear Commander (Surname): 

‘, 

Dear Lieutenant (Surname): 

“ 

Dear Ensign (Surname): 

Dear Chief Warrant Officer (Surname): 

“ 

“ 

“ 

Warrant 0t33cer Wo Dear Warrant Officer (Surname): 

Marine Corps, Air Force and Army Officers 

Marines Air Force ~ 

General Gen Gen GEN 

Lieutenant General LtGen Lt Gen LTG 

Major General MajGen Maj Gen MG 

Brigadier General BGen Brig Gen BG 

Colonel Col co] COL 

Lieutenant Colonel LtCo] Lt Col LTC 

Dear General (Surname): 

“ 

“ 

“ 

Dear Colonel (Surname): 

“ 

Major Maj Maj MAJ Dear Major (Surname): 

Captain Capt Capt CPT 

First Lieutenant 1stLt 1st Lt 1LT 

Second Lieutenant 2ndLt 2nd Lt 2LT 

ChiefWarrantOfficer5 w-5 CW5 

ChiefWarrantOtlicer4 w-4 CW4 

ChiefWarrantOfficer3 w-3 CW3 

ChiefWarrantOfticer2 w-2 CW2 

Dear Captain (Surname): 

Dear Lieutenant (Surname): 

“ 

Dear Chief Warrant Officer (Surname): 

“ 


15 Jun2001 

171O.7A 

Addressee Letter and Envelope Salutation 

Navy and Coast Guard Enlisted 

Master Chief Petty Oftlcer of the Navy 

Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard 

Master Chief Petty Off]cer 

Senior Chief Petty Officer 

Chief Petty Officer 

Pew Ofticer First Class 

Petty Officer Second Class 

Petty Officer Third Class 

Airman 

(includes Apprentice and Recruit) 

Constructionman 


Dentalman 


Fireman 


Hospitahnarr 


Seaman 


MCPON 

MCPOCG 

MCPO 

SCPO 

CPO 

Pol 

P02 

P03 

AAor AAor AR 

CN or CA or CR 

DN or DA or DR 

FN or FA or FR 

HN or HA or HR 

SN or SAorSR 

Dear Master Chief (Surname): 

“ 

“ 

Dear Senior Chief (Surname): 

Dear Chief (Surname): 

Dear Petty Ofticer (Surname): 

‘, 

“ 

Dear Airman (Surname): 

Dear Constructionmarr (Surname): 

Dear Dentalmsn (Surname): 

Dear Fireman (Surname): 

Dear Hospitalman (Surname): 

Dear Seaman (Surname): 

Marine Corps Enlisted 

Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps 

Sergeant Major 

Master Gunnery Sergeant 

First Sergeant 

Master Sergeant 

Gunnery Sergeant 

Staff Sergeant 

Sergeant 

Corporal 

Lance Corporal 

Private First Class 

Private 

SgtMaj 

SgtMaj 

MGySgt 

1Stsgt 

MSgt 

GySgt 

Ssgt 

Sgt 

Cpl 

LCpl 

PFC 

Pvt 

DearSergeantMajor(Surname): 

“ 

Dear Master Gunnery Sergeant (Surname): 

Dear First Sergeant (Surname): 

Dear Master Sergeant (Surname): 

Dear Gunnery Sergeant (Surname): 

Dear Staff Sergeant (Surname): 

Dear Sergeant (Surname): 

Dear Corporal (Surname): 

“ 

Dear Private First Class (Surname): 

Dear Private (Surname): 

E-2 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

Addressee 

Army Enlisted 

Sergeant MajoroftheArmy 

CommandSergeantMajor 

SergeantMajor 

FirstSergeant 

MasterSergeant 

PlatoonSergeant 

SergeantFirstClass 

StaffSergeant 

Sergeant 

Corporal 

Private First Class 

Private 

Specialists (all grades) 


\ 

SMA 

CSM 

SGM 

1SG 

MSG 

PSG 

SFC 

SSG 

SGT 

CPL 

PFC 

PVT 

SP7, SP6 (etc.) 

Salutation 

Dear Sergeant Major (Surname): 

“ 

‘t 

Dear First Sergeant (Surname): 

Dear Master Sergeant (Surname): 

Dear Sergeant (Surname): 

‘G 

“ 


15 Jun2001 

171O.7A 

CIVILIAN MODELS OF ADDRESS 

1. The following examples of civilian models of address, salutation, and complimentary close are 

used in the preparation of Navy business-format letters. They maybe varied depending on 

circumstances. 

2. Use “The Honorable (name)” in the address of Presidential appointees as well as federal and 

state elected officials, Avoid “The Honorable” in addresses of county and city officials, except for 

mayors. 

3. While positions maybe held by men or women, only the titles “Mr.” or “Sir” are shown in the 

examples that follow. 

a. Use the title “Madam” in the salutation of a letter to a high-level woman diplomat or 

government official, such as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations. Use the title 

“Madame” in salutations of letters destined for foreign heads of state or diplomats. 

b. Substitute the title “Miss” or “Mrs.” for “Mr.” when addressing a woman by her surname 

(Mrs. Jones). “Ms.” Like “Mr.” indicates nothing with regard to a person’s marital status. Use 

“Ms.” In the salutation when an incumbent or correspondent has indicated this preference or there is 

uncertain y about a woman’s marital status. Never use “Ms.” With a woman’s married name, e.g., 

“Ms, John E. Jones” is incorrect. Use “Mr.” with a position or surname if you don’t know the 

addressee’s gender and can’t find out readily. 

E-4 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun2001 

171O.7A 

Addressee 


Salutation and 

Comrdimentarv 

Close 

The White House 

ThePresident 

Wifeof the President 


Secretaryto the President 

Secretaryto the President, 

(withmilitaryrank) 

The President 


Washington,DC 20500-0001 

Mrs. (till name) 



The Honorable(fullname) 




The Honorable (fill name) 

Secreta~ to the President 



(Fullrank)(fill name) 

Secretaryto the President 


Washington,DC 20500-(1001 

Dear Mr. President: 

Respectfully yours, 

DearMrs. (surname): 

Sincerely, 

Dear Mr. (surname): 

Sincerely, 


Sincerely, 

Dear (rank)(surname): 

Sincerely, 

The Vice President 

As VicePresident 

As SenatePresident 

The VicePresident 




President of the Senate 

Washington, DC 20510-0001 

Dear Mr. Vice President: 

Sincerely, 

DearMr. President: 

Sincerely, 

The Judiciary 

The ChiefJustice 

AssociateJustice 

The ChiefJusticeof 

the UnitedStates 

The SupremeCourtof 

the UnitedStates 


Mr. Justice(surname) 

The SupremeCourtof 

the United States 


Dear Mr. ChiefJustice: 

Sincerely, 


Sincerely, 

E-5 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

Addressee 



Compliment w Close 

RetiredJustice 

The Honorable 

(local address) 

(fill name) 

Dear Mr. Justice: 

Sincerely, 

PresidingJustice 

Judgeof a Court 

Clerkof a Court 


PresidingJudge 

(nameof the court) 

(localaddress) 


Judgeof the (nameof court; 

if a U.S. districtcourt,give district) 


Mr. (fullname) 

Attorneyat Law 



Sincerely, 

Dear Judge(surname): 

Sincerely, 


Sincerely, 

The Senate 

Presidentpro Tempore 

CommitteeChairman 

U.S. Senate 

SubcommitteeChairman 

U.S. Senate 

UnitedStatesSenator 

(Washington,DC office) 

(AwayfromWashington,DC) 

The Honorable(fill name) 

Presidentpro Temporeof the Senate 




Chairman, Committee on 

(name of committee) 

United States Senate 

Washington, DC 205 10-CIOOO 


Chairman,Subcommitteeon 

(nameof committee) 

(nameof parentcommittee) 

OR 






OR 


UnitedStatesSenator 


Dear Senator(surname): 

Sincerely, 

DearMr. Chairman: 

Sincerely, 


Sincerely, 

Dear Mr. Chairman: 

Sincerely, 

(Whenincoming 

correspondenceis so signed 

andpertainsto subcommittee 

business) 


Sincerely, 


Sincerely, 

E-6 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

Addressee 

Senator,Majority(or Minority) 

Leader 

(Washington,DC oflice) 


United States Senator-elect 



Officeof a deceasedSenator 



Majority(or Minority)Leader 



OR 


Majority(or Minority)Leader 




United States Senator-elect 



OR 

Mr. (full name) 

United States Senator-ele[st 

(local address, if given) 

Mr. (Secretary’s fidl name, 

if known) 

Secretary to the Late 

Honorable (full name) 




Compliment u Close 


Sincerely, 


Sincerely, 


Sincerely, 

DearMr. (surname): 

Sincerely, 


Sincerely, 

Former 

Senator 



Dear Senator 

Sincerely, 

(surname): 

Secretary 

of the Senate 


Secretaryof the Senate 

Washington,DC 2051O-CIOOO 


Sincerely, 

Secretaryor Administrative 

Assistantto a Senator 

Mr. (fill name) 

Secretary/Administrative 

Assistant to the 

Honorable (fill name) 


Washington, DC 2051O-OIOOO 


Sincerely, 

House of Representatives 

Speakerof the House 

of Representatives 


Speakerof the Houseof 

Representatives 


DearMr. Speaker: 

Sincerely, 

E-7 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun2001 

171O.7A 

Addressee 

CommitteeChairman 

SubcommitteeChairman 

UnitedStatesRepresentative 



Representative-elect 



Office of a deceasedRepresentative 

FormerRepresentative 

ResidentCommissioner 



Chairmq Committeeon 

(nameof committee) 



The Honorable(fhllname) 

Chairman,Subcommitteeon 

(nameof subcommittee) 

(nameof parentcommittee) 






OR 

TheHonorable(fill name) 

Member,UnitedStatesHouse 

of Representatives 


TheHonorable(fill name) 



Washington,DC 20515-CIOOO 

OR 

Mr. (fill name) 


(localaddress,if given) 

Mr. (Secretary’sfill name, 

if known) 

Secretaryto the Late 

Honorable(fill name) 




(local address) 


ResidentCommissioner 

from(nameof area) 


Washington DC 20515-0000 


Compliment ary Close 

Dear Mr, Chairman: 

Sincerely, 


Sincerely, 

OR 

DearMr. Chairman: 

Sincerely, 

(Whenincoming 

Correspondenceis so 

signedandpertainsto 

subcommitteebusiness) 


Sincerely, 


Sincerely, 


Sincerely, 


Sincerely, 


Sincerely, 


Sincerely, 


Sincerely, 

E-8 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

Addressee 

Delegate of the District 

of Columbia 








Sincerely, 

Legislative 

Agencies 

ComptrollerGeneral 

(Headof the General 

AccountingOffice) 

PublicPrinter(Headof the 

U.S. Government 

PrintingOffIce) 

Librarianof Congress 


Comptroller General of the 

United States 



U.S. GovernmentPrintingOffice 


The Honorable (full name) 

Librarian of Congress 



Sincerely, 


Sincerely, 


Sincerely, 

Executive 

Departments 

Members of the Cabinet 

(if addressed as “Secretary”) 

AttorneyGeneral(Headof the 

Departmentof Justice) 

UnderSecretaryof a Department 


Secretaryof (nameof department)* 



AttorneyGeneral 


The Honorable(f-illname) 

UnderSecretaryof (nameof 

department) 



Sincerely, 

DearMr. AttorneyGeneral: 

Sincerely, 


Sincerely, 

Deputy Secretary of a Department 

The Honorable (fill name) Dear Mr. (surname): 

Deputy Secretary of (name of Sincerely, 

department) 


Assistant Secretary of a Department 

The Honorable(fidlname) 

AssistantSecretaryof 

(nameof department) 



Sincerely, 

* Titles for Cabinet Secretaries are: Secretary of Agriculture, Secretary of Commerce, Secretary of Defense, Secretay 

of Education, Secretary of Energy, Secretary of Health and Human Services,Secretaryof HousingandUrban 

Development,Secreta~ of Interior,Secretaryof Labor,Secretaryof Skate,Secretaryof Transportation,and Secretaryof 

the Treasury. 

E-9 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

Addressee 

Letter and Enveloue 


Compliment u Close 

Independent 

Organizations 

Director,Officeof Management 

and Budget 

Head of a Federal Agency, 

Authority, or Board 

Headof a majororganization 

withinan agency(if appointed 

by the President) 

Presidentof a Commission 

Chairmanof a Commission 


Director,Officeof Management 

and Budget 



(title), (name of agency) 



(title)(organization) 

(nameof agency) 

Washingto~ DC 00000-0000 


President,(nameof commission) 



Chairman,(nameof commission) 



Sincerely, 


Sincerely, 


Sincerely, 


Sincerely, 


Sincerely, 

Chairmanof a Board The Honorable (fill name) 

Chairman, (name of board) 

Washington, DC 00000-C)OOO 

Postmaster General The Honorable(fullname) 

PostmasterGeneral 



Sincerely, 

Dear Mr. PostmasterGeneral: 

Sincerely, 

American 

Missions 

AmericanAmbassador The Honorable (full name) 

American Ambassador 

American Embassy 

(city), (country) 

sir: (formal) 


(informal) 

Sincerely, 



(fill rank)(fill name) 


AmericanEmbassy 

(city),(country) 

sir: (formal) 


(informal) 

Sincerely, 

American Minister The Honorable (fill name;) 

American Minister 

(city), (country) 

sir: (formal) 

Dear Mr. Minister: 

Sincerely, 

(informal) 

E-10 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun2001 

171O.7A 

Addressee 

American Minister 



(fullrank)(fullname) 

AmericanMinister 

(city),(country) 


Compliment arv Close 

sir: (formal) 


(infornlal) 

Sincerely, 

Foreign Government 

Officials 

ForeignAmbassadorin the 

United States 

ForeignMinisterin the 

UnitedStates 

His Excellency(fullname) 

Ambassadorof (country) 

(localaddress)00000-0000 


Ministerof (country) 

(localaddress) 00000-0000 

Excellency: (formal) 

Dear Mr. Ambassador: 

(informal) 

Sincerely, 

sir: (formal) 


(informal) 

Sincerely, 

Foreign Charge d’Affaires Mr. (Iidl name) 

in the United States Charge d’Affaires of (country) 

(local address) OOOOO-OOC1O 

sir: (fomlal) 

DearMr. Charged’Affaires: 

(informal) 

Sincerely, 

State and Local Government 

Governorof a State 


Governorof (state) 

(city),(state) 00000-OOOCI 

Dear Governor(surname): 

Sincerely, 

ActingGovernorof a State The Honorable (fhll name) 

Acting Governor of (state) 

(city), (state) 00000-0000 


Sincerely, 

Lieutenant Governor of a State The Honorable(fullname) 

LieutenantGovernorof (state) 

(city),(state) 00000-00001 

Dear Governor 

Sincerely, 

(surname): 

SecretaW of State of a State 

Chief Justiceof the Supreme 

Courtof a State 


Secretaryof Stateof (state) 

(city),(state)00000-0000 

The Honorable (full name) 

Chief Justice of the 

Supreme Court of the 

State of (state) 

(city), (state) 00000-0000 


Sincerely, 

DearMr. ChiefJustice: 

Sincerely, 

Attorney General of a State The Honorable (full name) 

Attorney General of the 

State of (state) 

(city), (state) 00000-0000 

Dear Mr. Attorney 

Sincerely, 

General: 

E-n 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

Addressee 

Treasurer, Comptroller, or 

Auditor of a State 



State Treasure (Comptroller or 

Auditor) of the State of 

(state) 

(city), (state) 00000-0000 


Compliment ary Close 


Sincerely, 

President of the Senate of a State The Honorable(fullname) 

Presidentof the Senate 

of the Stateof (state) 

(city),(state) 00000-0000 


Sincerely, 

StateSenator 

StateRepresentative, 

Assemblymanor Delegate 


(state)Senate 

(city),(state) 00000-0000 


(state)Houseof Representatives 

(Assemblyor Houseof Delegates) 

(city),(state) 00000-OOOCI 


Sincerely, 


Sincerely, 

Mayor The Honorable (fill time) 

Mayor of (city) 

(city), (state) 00000-OOOCI 

Dear Mayor (surname): 

Sincerely, 

Ecclesiastical 

Organizations 

Roman Catholic Church 

Cardinal His Eminence (Christian mime) 

Cardinal (surname) 

Archbishop of (Archdiocese) 

(local address) 00000-0000 

Your Eminence: (formal) 

Dear Cardinal (surname): 

(informal) 

Sincerely, 

Archbishop 

The Most Reverend(fill mime) 

Archbishopof (Archdiocese) 


Your Excellency (formal) 

DearArchbishop(surname): 

(Mormal) 

Sincerely, 

Bishop The Most Reverend (full n[ame) 

Bishop of (diocese) 


Your Excellency: (formal) 

Dear Bishop (surname): 

(informal) 

Sincerely, 

Monsignor 

The Reverend 

Monsignor(fullmme) 


ReverendMonsignor: 

(formal) 

DearMonsignor(surname): 

(informal) 

Sincerely, 

E-12 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

Addressee 



Compliment arv Close 

Priest The Reverend (full name) 

(initials of the order, if any, 

after name) 


Reverend Father: (formal) 

Dear Father (surname): 

(Informal) 

Sincerely, 

Superiorof a Sisterhood 

Sister 

The Reverend Mother 

Superior (name of institution) 


Sister(fill name) 

(nameof organization) 


DearReverendMother: 

(formal) 

DearMother(name): 

(informal) 

Sincerely, 

Dear Sister(fill name): 

Sincerely, 

Superiorof a Brotherhood Brother (name) 

Superior of (institution) 


Member of a Brotherhood Brother (fidl name) 

(name of organization) 


Protestant Episcopal Church 

Dear Brother: 

Sincerely, 

Dear Brother 

Sincerely, 

(full name): 

Bishop 

Archdeacon 

Dean 

Canon 

The RightReverend(fullname) 


The Venerable(fill name) 

Archdeaconof (name) 


The VeryReverend(fill name) 

Deanof (church) 


The Reverend(fidlname) 

Canonof (church) 


Right Reverend Sir: (formal) 


(informal) 

Sincerely, 

Venerable Sir: (formal) 

My Dear Archdeacon 

(surname): (informal) 

Sincerely, 

VeryReverendSir: (formal) 

Dear Dean(surname): 

(informal) 

Sincerely) 

ReverendSir: (formal) 

My Dear Canon(surname): 

(informal) 

Sincerely, 

Rector The Reverend(till name) 

Reverend Sir: (formal) 

The Rectorof (name) 


Dear (Dr. or Mr.) (surname): 

(informal) 

Sincerely, 

E-13 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

Addressee 

Clergy of Other Denominations 

MethodistBishop 


The Reverend(fill name) 

MethodistBishop 




Reverend Sir: (formal) 


(informal) 

Sincerely, 

Mormon Elder Elder (or Brother) (fill name) 

Church of Jesus Christ of 

Latter Day Saints 

(local address) 00000-OCIOO 

Dear Elder (surname): 

Sincerely, 

PresbyterianModerator 

Rabbi 

The Moderatorof (name) 

(localaddress) 00000-OCIOO 

OR 

The Reverend(fullname:) 

Moderatorof (name) 


Rabbi(fill name) 


My dear Mr. Moderator: 

(fomlal) 

Dear (Dr. or Mr.) (surname): 

(informal) 

Sincerely, 

DearMr. (surname):or 

Dear Rabbi(surname): 

Sincerely, 

Seventh-Day Adventist Elder Elder (fi.dl name) 

General Conference of 

Seventh-Day Adventists 


Dear Elder(surname): 

Sincerely, 

Minister,Pastor or Rector 

(withdoctorate) 

Minister,Pastor or Rector 

(withoutdoctorate) 

EasternOrthodoxBishop 

The Reverend(fill name) 

(title,nameof church) 


The Reverend(till name) 

(title,nameof church) 


The Right Reverend 

(Christian name) 

Bishop of (city) 


Dear Dr. (surname): 

Sincerely, 


Sincerely, 

Your Grace: (formal) 

DearBishop:(informal) 

Sincerely, 

EasternOrthodoxPriest The Reverend(name) 

Reverend Father: (formal) 


Dear Father (Christian name): 

(informal) 

Sincerely, 

Educational 

Institutions 

President of a College 

or University 

Dr. (fullname) 

President,(nameof institution) 



Sincerely, 

E-14 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

Addressee 



Complimentary 

Close 

Deanof a University 

or College 

Dean(fill name) 

Schoolof (name) 

(nameof institution) 

(localaddress) 00000-OCIOO 

Professor (full name) 

Department of (name) 

(name of institution) 


DearDr. (surname): 

(“DearDean”if without 

doctoraldegree) 

Sincerely, 


(“Dear Professor” if without 

doctoral degree) 

Sincerely, 

Other Addressees 

An UnmarriedWoman 

Ms. (or Miss) (fill name) 


Dear Ms. (or Miss) (surname): 

Sincerely, 

A Married 

Wornan 

Ms. (or Mrs.) (husband’s 

till name) 


Dear Ms. (or Mrs.) (surname): 

Sincerely, 

A Woman who is a Widow 

Two or More Unmarried 

Women 

Two or MoreMen 

Ms. (or Mrs.) (fill name) 


Mses.(surname)and (surname) 


OR 

Ms. (or Miss)(fill name) 

andMs. (or Miss)(fullname) 


Messrs.(surname)and (surname) 


OR 

Mr. (fill name) and Mr. (full name) 


DearMs. (or Mrs.) (surname): 

Sincerely, 

Ladies(or Mesdarnes): 

OR 

DearMses (or Misses) 

(surname)and (surname): 

Sincerely, 

Gentlemen: 

OR 

Dear Mr. (surname)and 

Mr. (surname): 

Sincerely, 

E-15 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

mx 

F 

Attire Guidance 

Very Formal Occasions (White Tie). Occasionally, a very formal evening event (after 8 p.m.) 

will require fill dress eveningwear specified as “white tie.” This is very seldom worn except by 

flag officers or those in the diplomatic corps. When required, white tie is worn to evening 

dances, weddings, dinners, receptions, and on state occasions. 

W7zite Tie 

Military: Formal Dress Uniform 

Civilian: Gentlemen – a tailcoat with matching trousers, a white waistcoat, wing 

collared shirt and white bow tie. 

Ladies – very formal evening gowns. 

Formal Occasions 

Daytime. For a formal daytime fmction such as a wedding in which civilian would wear 

cutaways, the following applies: 

.- Military: seasonally appropriate Service Dress Uniform. 

-- Civilian ladies dress appropriately to the occasion as styles dictate. 

Evening. The attire specified for a formal evening function is “Black Tie.” This maybe 

worn to formal events after 6 p.m. such as dinners, receptions, dances, or weddings. 

.- Militzuy: seasonally appropriate Dinner Dress Jacket Uniform. 

-- Civilian: Gentlemen – dinner jackets and tuxedos. 

Ladies – formal evening attire 

Ceremonial Occasions. For occasions of state, ceremonies, solemnities, parades and reviews, 

military personnel participating wear the seasonally appropriate ceremonial uniform. In general, 

guests wear the seasonally appropriate Service Dress Uniform. Civilian men generally wear 

business suits and ladies wear a dress appropriate to the occasion, as styles dictate. 

Informal Occasions. Business and informal occasions in the afternoon such as luncheons, 

receptions or dinners will call for “Informal Attire” or “Civilian Informal.”* 

Military seasonally appropriate Service Dress Unifbrm 

Civilian: Gentlemen – business suits (dark subdued suit with tie and can include threepiece 

suits as well). 

Ladies – dress appropriately to the occasion as style dictates (business suitor a 

dressy, street length or “Sunday” dress). 

*NOTE: Coat and Tie differs from Civilian Informal in that gentlemen would wear a sports 

jacket or blazer with color-coordinated slacks and tie and ladies would wear an appropriate dress 

or a dressy slacks outfit as styles dictate. 

When an invitation is received from an outside agency listing the attire as “Business” attire, 

clarification of the attire should be made with that organization. Some organizations use coat 

and tie as business attire and others use suit. 

F-1 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun2001 

171O,7A 

Casual Occasions, Casual fimctions such as picnics, barbecues, sporting events, etc., will call 

for “casual attire” or “civilian casual.” A gentleman’s attire may range from an open collar shirt 

or sweater to a sports coat, but no tie. For ladies, any suitalble casual wear such as any casual 

dress, slacks, pants suit, blouses, and long or short skirts would be appropriate. 

Miscellaneous. Retired military personnel, not on active duty, may wear the prescribed uniform 

to military functions as considered appropriate. Such occasions may include commissioning 

ceremonies, military weddings, or receptions in which military guests are expected to be in 

uniform. 

The preceding guidelines are based on the protocol requirements of Washington, D.C. In 

other areas of the country, such as California, or Hawaii, social occasions call for far less formal 

attire. When in doubt, inquire as to local custom. 

For additional information on the composition of specific uniforms, refer to the current 

U.S. Navy Uniform Regulations, also available on the Internet. 

The increased informality in modem day living dictates wide latitude in apparel; 

therefore, guests should be encouraged to feel comfortable in whatever they choose to wear. 

F-2 

Enclosure (1)

OPANVINST 

15 Jun 2001 

171O,7A 

ANNEX H 

Guidelines for Planning a Reception 

A militzuy host will often have junior officers appointed 

reception. The following checklist may be helpful. 

to plan and/or assist during a 

1. Primary Planning 

● Determine who will host the function, 

s Will there be a guest of honor? 

. Select a convenient date and time for the function. 

● Coordinate availability of guest of honor (if there is one). 

. Determine the location. 

. Select appropriate attire. 

2. Guests 

. Prepare a guest list. 

. Mail invitation 3-5 weeks in advance (include a map if using an unfamiliar location). 

. Keep a working list of acceptances and regrets. 

. Will any of the guests require special attention (handicapped persons, dignitaries to be 

met, etc.). 

3. Location – if using a club or caterer 

● Select an appropriate menu. 

. Ensure an adequate number of bars and tenders. 

. Ensure non-alcoholic beverages are available. 

. Coat/hat check available. 

● Name tags at check-in table, if desired. 

. A podium and microphone, if needed. 

. Lighting at appropriate level. 

. Parking facilities available. 

4. Miscellaneous 

. Decorations as appropriate (flowers, flags, etc.). 

. Music, at appropriate sound level. 

. Photographers, properly briefed beforehand. 

. Receiving Line 

> Inform members of order beforehand. 

} Place a carpet runner in desired location of the line. 

> Have a table nearby for the ladies’ purses and members’ beverages. 

. Special events – will there be speeches, or presentations? 

. Aides. Often it is helpful to have junior officers and spouses aid in manning check-in 

tables, directing guests, etc. 

H-1 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

ANNEX I 

Guidelines for Change of Command Ceremonies 

The following guidelines are provided as a reference aid: 

DATE AND TIME 

The officer being relieved should establish the date for the change of command subject to 

the concurrence of the relief and his immediate superiors. The change of command should 

generally not be scheduled for Saturday afternoons, Sundays, or national holidays. 

The time for the ceremony should be one which will be convenient for guests, and also 

will give the host ship time to make the many preparations. Normally, the change of command 

can be best scheduled to commence between 0945 and 1100. 

Invitations. The preparations and mailing of invitations is the responsibility of the officer being 

relieved. The officer is also responsible for ensuring that invitations are sent to the “official 

family,” which includes Commanders, Commanding Officers, Chief of Staff, Chief Staff 

Officers, etc., of all local units and activities, as he/she knc}ws better than hisiher relief. 

Inasmuch as the invitations should be mailed two to three weeks before the ceremony, the 

relieving officer should forward his/her guest list in ample time. The officer being relieved 

should screen this list to eliminate duplication. 

A pre-addressed postcard or an envelope with a card should accompany the invitations to 

facilitate the R.S.V.P. Consideration should also be given to enclosing gate passes, parking 

permits, and boat schedules, if applicable. 

If inclement weather would necessitate a shift in location or time of ceremony, a card 

with these details should be prepared and enclosed. 

The command should keep an accurate and up-to-date list of acceptances and regrets as 

they are received. Numbering R.S.V.P. cards is helpfid as some invited guests will not print or 

write their names clearly. ~ 

CHANGE OF COMMAND MESSAGE 

At least a week in advance of the ceremony, a message announcing the change of 

command should be sent to the Senior Officer Present Afloat (SOPA). 

The SOPA message is customarily used to invite interested fleet officers and their 

spouses to the change of command. An example of a typical change of command message 

follows: 

“1. LCDR A. B. SEA, USN, WILL BE RELIEVED AS COMMANDING OFFICER, USS 

NEVERSAIL (YZ 0000) BY LCDR W. T. DOOR, USN, IN CHANGE OF COMMAND 

CEREMONIES 1000,5 OCT 98 AT PIER 4, NAVSTA, SDIEGO. 

2. ALL INTERESTED PERSONNEL AND THEIR SPOUSES ARE CORDIALLY INVITED 

TO ATTEND. UNIFORM FOR ATTENDEES IS AS FOLLOWS: 

1-1 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun2001 

171O.7A 

OFFICERS 

ENLISTED 

CIVILIANS 

- (Speci&) 

– (Specify) 

- (Specify) 

3. REQ SOPA ADMIN SAN DIEGO PASS TO ALL SHIPS PRESENT SAN DIEGO. REQ 

COMELEVEN PASS TO ALL SHORE ACTIVITIES SAN DIEGO AREA.” 

PROGRAMS 

Programs for the occasion are not only helpfil for the guests, but often serve as souvenirs 

of this memorable event. Print shops are available for printing change of command programs. 

Under normal circumstances, allow at least 10 working days for preparation of the programs. 

Inclusion of the following items is desirable: 

a. Command insignia, and/or good picture of ship or command. 

b. List of official party and their titles. 

c. Schedule of events for the ceremony. The schedule of events should be detailed 

enough to provide guidance for civilian guests who may not be fb.miliar with the customs and 

courtesies of the military. Make a note on the program as to when guests will be expected to rise 

and be seated. 

d. Brief biography and photograph of the Comrnander/Cornmanding Officer and the 

Prospective Commander/Commanding Officer. A biography and photograph of the guest 

speaker may also be included, if desired. 

e. List of previous commanders/commanding officers, with dates of command. 

f. A summary history of the ship or command maybe included, if desired. 

PARTICIPATION 

OF SENIORS 

Since the change of command ceremony is an event conducted by and in the interests of 

the two officers concerned and in view of the limited space available inmost cases, a maximum 

of two seniors (the immediate superior in command and one other) is recommended for 

participation with one being the norm. The guest speaker (senior participant) should be invited 

to speak as far in advance as possible, A written invitation to the senior participant and guest 

speakers is appropriate. 

BANDS 

If at all possible, make arrangements for a band. A band’s presence permits the proper 

rendering of honors to flag officers and adds zest and a military atmosphere to the entire 

proceedings. Requests should be made in writing for record purposes. 

REHEARSAL 

A complicated change of command ceremony requires a complete rehearsal (less the 

principals) the day before the ceremony. A rehearsal precludes awkward situations and serves to 

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alert those involved to flaws in their planning. The lectern, public address system, chairs for the 

principals, and other miscellaneous hardware should be in place and the equipment operating for 

the rehearsal so that, adequacy, positioning, spacing, etc., can be checked on the spot. The more 

attention paid to details at the rehearsal, the more nearly fliiwless will be the actual ceremony. 

FOUL WEATHER 

PLAN 

Have a complete and rehearsed, foul weather plan for quick implementation, if needed. 

CHANGE OF COMMAND NOTICE 

Prior to the ceremony, commands should issue a chmge of command notice. This notice 

should have as its enclosures, the following: 

a. Schedule of events (fair weather). 

b. Diagram of ceremonial area (fair weather). 

c. Schedule of events (foul weather). 

d. Diagram of ceremonial area (foul weather). 

e. Detailed list of services and equipment desired. 

INFORMING NEARBY SHIPS 

Ensure that nearby ships, especially any ship alongside, are kept informed of your plans. 

Don’t hesitate to let them know what you expect of them by way of cooperation in making your 

ceremony a success. Request that ships in the area use MC systems topside during ceremony 

only in emergency. 

., TRAFFIC CONTROL 

Coordinate 

anticipated. 

with adjacent or host activities to work out any traffic control problems 

PARKING 

Make arrangements for adequate parking near the ship so as to preclude long walks for 

guests. Care should be taken, however, to ensure that official cars park sufficiently clear of the 

brow or ceremonial area to maintain a clear path for subsequent arrivals. 

USHERWUSHERETTES 

Junior officers should serve as ushers/usherettes for all guests and unescorted ladies. 

Ushers/usherettes should be lined up in a military fashion awaiting their turn. Designate an 

officer to be in charge of the ushers/usherettes, and make h.idher responsible to see that all 

guests are properly escorted. Each usher/usherette should know those for whom reserved seats 

have been designated. When escorting a lady, a male usher should offer his right arm since 

swords are often worn. 

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THE CEREMONIAL 

AREA 

The area should be laid out so that the guests have a good view of the platform or area 

where the ceremony will take place. The principals shoulci be centrally located. If possible, they 

should be seated on a raised platform so as to be in full view of the audience. Two lecterns 

should be placed on the platform with well checked out microphones and sound amplifying 

system. Having a separate lectern and microphone for the Master of Ceremonies provides one of 

the most important “secrets” to flawlessly executing a change of command ceremony. The 

principals seated on the platform are: the officer being relieved, his/her relief, the participating 

senior, guest speaker, and chaplain. The Master of Ceremonies may also be located on the 

platform, but off to the side. Using the departing officer as the host figure, follow the customary 

alternating pattern of senior man to host’s right, second senior to his left, etc. Chairs should be 

located so that none of the principals are hidden by the lecterns. Guest seating should include 

reserved marked seats for the incumbent Commander/Comrnanding Officer’s family, the 

relieving Commander/Commanding Officer’s family, and guests of honor or their family. An 

aisle is recommended with the relieving officer’s family on the left side. The spouse of the 

ranking guest should be seated next to the spouse of the officer being relieved or immediately 

behind depending on the number of vacancies on the front row. 

THE CEREMONY 

Normally, the program of events should be as follows: 

1. Upon arrival of the senior participants, the Master of Ceremonies calls the crew(s) to 

attention and asks all guests to rise. 

Members of the official party arrive in inverse order of precedence with the senior 

entering last, except that the relieved officer will generally precede the relieving officer, although 

the latter may be junior. Upon arrival at an activity with a saluting battery, all members of the 

official party who are entitled to honors will receive full honors less gun salute except for the 

senior official, whether military or civilian, who is accorded full honors. 

After receiving honors, members of the official party sometimes gather at a designated 

point to greet members of the party as they arrive. They then proceed to their seats on the 

platform. An acceptable alternate calls for officers of the command to meet and escort members 

of the ceremonial party to their seats upon conclusion of th~eirpersonal honors. As a general 

rule, arrival and departure honors will not be rendered to guests at a change of command 

ceremony. 

2. National Anthem. 

3, Invocation (Master of Ceremonies requests all military personnel remain covered). 

4. Master of Ceremonies requests all guests to be seated. 

5. Remarks by senior officer. 

6. Presentation of award (if appropriate) 

7. Remarks and reading of orders by the person being relieved (only those parts of the 

orders pertinent to the change of command should be read – address, subject, brief of content and 

signature). 

8. The person being relieved orders his/her flag or pennant hauled down. Full honors as 

appropriate and presentation of his/her flag/pennant. 

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9. The person relieving reads his/her orders (pertinent parts only), assumes command, 

orders his/her flag or pennant broken, and receives full honors as appropriate. He/she reports 

assumption of command to his/her immediate superior, if present, and makes remarks as desired. 

10. Master of Ceremonies request all guests to rise and military personnel to remain 

covered. 

11. Departure honors for the official party. 

12. Master of Ceremonies announces conclusion ofcerernony. 

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SAMPLE CHECKLIST FOR PROJECT 

OFFICERS 

1. Initial Coordination/Planning 

Ceremony 

Date: 

Place: 

Foul Weather Plan: 

Rehearsal 

Date: 

Place: 

Foul Weather Plan: 

Poe: 

Phone number: 

Confirmed: 

Guest Speaker: 

Host: 

Requesting letter(s) sent: 

POC/Aide: 

Phone number: 

Confirmed: 

Band: 

Requesting letter sent: 

Poe: 

Phone number: 

Confirmed: 

Pre-Ceremony site is: 


Poe: 

Phone number: 

Confirmed: 

Reception site is: 


Poe: 

Phone number: 

Confirmed: 

(For Retirements 

Ordered: 

Guest lists received 

Departing Officer: 

Relieving 

Officer: 

Time: 

Time: 

(Date) 

(Date) 

(Date) 

(Date) 

(Date) 

Only) Personal Flag for presentation 

(Date) 

(Date) 

(Date) 

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_ (#) Invitations, R.S.V.P. pre-addressed cards, VIP& General Parking passes 

Ordered: 

(Date) 

(#) VIP guests is: 

(#) General guests is: 

Physically challenged guest considerations: 

(Wheelchair assistance, signers, assistance dogs, etc.) 

Equipment and Transportation 

Equipment: 

(#) VIP chairs requested: 

(#) General seating chairs requested: 

(#) Lecterns with microphones requested: 

Dais/platform requested: Yes No —— 

Transportation: 

(#) Sedans with drivers requested: _ 

(#) Buses with drivers requested: _ 

(#) Shuttle buses with drivers requested: _ 


Poe: 

Phone number: 

Confirmed: 

Parking Spaces 

(#) VIP spaces requested: 

(#) General spaces requested: 


Confirmed: 

Program 

approved. 

(Date) 

(Date) 

Command Notice . 

Draft forwarded 

Signed on: 

for chop: 

(Date) 

Master/Mistress of Ceremony is: 

Confirmed: 

(Date) 

Flag Presenter at Ceremony is: 

(Date) 

_ (#) Ushers is: . (1per 50 guests recommended) 

Head Escort in Charge: 

Phone number: 

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2. 3-5 

Weeks Prior to Ceremony 

Invitations mailed: 

Programs sent to printers: 

Command Notice distributed: 

(Date) 

(Date) 

(Date) 

(Date) 

3. 1 Week Prior to Ceremony 

Message sent: 

(Date) 

(Date) 

Called to confirm: 

(Date) 

- Ceremony Site: 

Band: 

- Guest Speaker: 

- Pre-Ceremony Site: 

- Post-Ceremony Site: 

- Equipment & Transportation: 

- Parking: 

(For Retirements) Personal Flag 

Obtained & folded for presentation: 

4. Information to Discuss or Bring to Rehearsal 

(Name/Phone 

(Name/Phone 

(Name/Phone 

(Name/Phone 

(Name/Phone 

(Name/Phone 

(Name/Phone 

(Date) 

Number) 

Number) 

Number) 

Number) 

Number) 

Number) 

Number) 

Copy of VIP Guest List. 

Copy of General Guest List. 

Copy of Pre-Ceremony Guest List. 

Copy of VIP Parking Pass (if used). 

Copy of General Parking Pass (if used). 

Name of musical selections chosen. 

Name of State Flag to Honor (Usua]lY home state of Retiree) 

Personal Flag presentation. When? 

kfOrnIatiOn on Side BOyS (personal friends or Ceremonial Guard) 

Information on other presentation(s) 

What: 

For whom: 

Who presents: 

When during ceremony: 

(Certificate of Appreciation for spouse, flowers, etc.) 

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Information on Award. 

Type of award: 

Cheater on it: Yes No 

Who will provide/place on Dais award table: 

VIP Seating labels. 

Information concerning care for physically challenged guests. 

Usher directed seating plan. 

End of ceremony car management departure plan. 

Name/’Number of person to call for foul weather option. 

I 

Personnel to Attend Rehearsal 

Public Safety/Current Ops. 

Flag Aide. 

Flag Representative. 

Ceremonial Guard Officer, PIC, Gun Crew Leader. 

U.S. Navy Band Representative. 

Security Representative. 

Public Works Representative. 

Project Officer. 

Master/Mistress of Ceremony. 

personal Flag presenter (Retirement ceremony only). 

Head and All Escorts. 

Head and All Ushers. 

All Side BOyS (If not using Ceremonial Guard Side Boys). 

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RESPONSIBILITIES OF USHERWUSHERETTES AND ESCORTS 

USHERWUSHERETTES 

One senior usher/usherette will be designated as coordinator and should: 

Take station at a central location. 

Maintain oversight and control of all other ushers and usherettes. 

Designate usher/usherette responsibilities and assignments. 

Terminate single couple ushering when back-ups occur. 

Ushers/usherettes should form a continuing column at the entrance, stepping forward to escort as 

each preceding guest is escorted away, and should: 

Introduce himlherself to guest. 

Offer and escort ladies with right arm. 

Allow accompanying gentlemen to follow. 

Move guests away fi-om entrance quickly. 

Distribute program when approaching seating area. 

Remind military guests this is a covered ceremony. 

Ushers/usherettes should be familiar with VIP seating arrangements and VIP cards, if used. 

Ushers and usherettes will escort at a pace comfortable for the lady. 

Guests are seated from front to rear excepting designated VIP seating. 

If guests still require seating when the Official Party arrives, suspend seating until after honors 

has been rendered. 

Two ushers/usherettes should remain at the entrance area throughout the ceremony to assist late 

arrivals. 

Usher/Usherette 

seats may be reserved in the last row, if available. 

In general, politeness will correct any possibly awkward situation between guests and 

ushers/usherettes. 

The following 

phases of ushering will apply: 

As guest back-ups occur, suspend single couple escorting (except VIP designates) 

and escort in groups toward seating areas. Resume single couple escorting when 

back-ups are reduced. 

Suspend escorting when the Colors are presented and posted. Resume upon 

completion. 

If large groups arrive simultaneously, post ushers at designated seating areas and 

direct guests to those posts for seating. This should only occur as start time 

approaches. 

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ESCORTS 

A designated senior escort will coordinate and assemble remaining escorts in a smart military 

arrangement in front of the arrival area ten minutes prior to the time guests are expected and 

escort to pre-reception area. 

Escorts will move to hall with covers on immediately prior to the departure of the spouses/guests 

for the ceremony site. They will not mingle with Official Party. 

Timing cued by the escort coordinator and established around the presentation of Colors is 

generally 15 minutes prior to ceremony – all guests and spouses depart for the ceremony site. 

Escorts should be familiar with their designated VIP and: 

- Introduce hirdherself to guest. 

- Offer and escort ladies with right arm. 

- Allow accompanying gentlemen to follow. 

Distribute program once outside pre-reception area. 

Remind military guests this is a covered ceremony. 

Escorts will walk at a pace comfortable 

for a lady. 

Escorts and ladies will proceed with three to five paces between 

couples. 

If en route to seating area when “To the Colors” is played, escorts shall stop and salute until 

Colors are posted. 

Escorts will be familiar with seating arrangements. 

When the ceremony is nearing completion (generally immediately following the benediction) 

escorts will form a single column to the left of the seating area. After the Official Party has 

departed, escorts will pick up their designated person. 

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LESSONS LEARNED AND POTENTIAL HAZARDS 

1. Following are some lessons learned from previous ceremonies conducted at the Washington 

Navy Yard and should be of considerable assistance as you plan your ceremony: 

Master of Ceremonies must be prepared to brief the entire sequence of events at 

the time of the rehearsal. Key items that are also discussed include the guest list to 

include VIPs, an assigned seating chart, the pre-reception guest list, the sedan list 

and transportation plan. 

Master of Ceremonies must be in control of events and provide essential cues 

during the ceremony. 

For seating efficiency, programs should be c[istributed at entrance. 

A guest list and sample VIP pass, if applicable, should be provided to Security 48 

hours before ceremony to facilitate traffic planning. 

Assigned VIP seating should include Vice Admirals and above. 

Name labels should be placed on the metal name holders on the arms of those 

chairs – if placed on the chair back, it may end up affixed to the guest. 

Recommend guest speakers be limited to one. Keep in mind that your honoree 

and relieving official, if applicable, will alscl be giving remarks. 

While considering the ceremony’s duration, please convey to the speakers that 

many shipmates are standing throughout the ceremony, and as much as one hour 

prior to its commencement. 

To minimize guest discomfort and reduce heat-related difficulties, recommend 

remarks of each speaker not exceed five minutes. 

Recommend providing bottles of water for guests if hot weather is a factor. 

2. Following are some potential hazards which maybe avoided: 

Close liaison with the Ceremonial Assistant is imperative. The assigned Project 

Officer should be conversant with every ceremonial aspect. 

Your draft notice should be “chopped” through chain of command 30 days prior to 

publication. 

The personal flag for presentation to the retiree should be ordered well in advance. 

This flag should be pressed and folded prior to the rehearsal. 

Master of Ceremonies and Guest Speaker shlould thoroughly coordinate the 

reading of citations, presentations, etc. 

Memoranda requesting ceremonial support should be reviewed a minimum of 45 

days in advance of the ceremony. 

As an absolute minimum, one usher should “beassigned duty for each 50 guests 

expected to attend. 

Buses should deliver your command personnel no later than 30 minutes prior to 

ceremony commencement. 

If flowers (or other mementos) are to be presented to a spouse, or other guests, it 

should be spelled out in the sequence of events and appropriate ushers/usherettes 

assigned to deliver them. 

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The script for the Master of Ceremonies andl each speaker should be detailed 

enough to enable each one to recognize cues for ceremony events. Orders should 

be condensed and placed in proper event secpence. 

Need to notify the Ceremonial Guard if Side Boys are required. 

Remember that car alarms must be de-energized. Shock waves caused by the gun 

salutes will activate them disrupting the ceremony. 

A detailed sedan line-up plan and loading folrpost-ceremony pick-up should be 

briefed at the rehearsal. 

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ANNEX J 

Flags, Pennants, Honors, Ceremonies 

(U.S. Navy Regulations) 

and Customs 

GENERAL 

1201. Authority for dispensing with honors. The honors and ceremonies prescribed in these 

regulations may be dispensed with when directed by the Secretary of the Navy or when 

requested by an individual to whom such honors and ceremonies are due. 

1202. Honors restricted to recognized governments. No salute shall be fired in honor of any 

nation or of any official of any nation not formally recognized by the Government of the United 

States. Except as authorized by the Secretary of the Navy, no other honors or ceremonies 

prescribed in these regulations shall be rendered or exchanged with such nations or officials. 

1203. International honors modified by agreement. Should the required number or frequency 

of international salutes, official visits or other honors or ceremonies be deemed excessive, the 

senior officer present in the United States naval service may make, subject to the requirements of 

international courtesy, such modification as circumstances warrant and as maybe agreed upon 

with the responsible officials or the senior officer present of the nation involved. 

HONORS TO NATIONAL ANTHEMS AND NATIONAL ENSIGNS 

1204. Manner of playing National Anthems. 

1. The National Anthem of the United States, “The Star Spangled Banner,” when played by a 

naval band, shall be played in its entirety as written and as prescribed in the official U.S. Navy 

Band arrangement, which is designated the official Department of Defense arrangement. 

2. The playing of the National Anthem of the United States, or of any other country, as part of a 

medley is prohibited. 

3. When a foreign national anthem is prescribed in connection with honors, and it is considered 

appropriate to perform the National Anthem of the United States therewith, the National Anthem 

of the United States will be performed last. 

4. On other occasions when a foreign national anthem (or anthems) is performed, the National 

Anthem of the United States will be performed last, except when performed in conjunction with 

morning colors described in Article 1206. 

1205. Procedure during playing of National Anthem. 

1. Whenever the National Anthem is played, all naval service personnel not in formation shall 

stand at attention and face the national ensign. In the event that the national ensign is not 

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171O.7A 

displayed, they shall face the source of the music. When covered, they shall come to the salute 

at the first note of the anthem, and shall remain at the salute until the last note of the anthem. 

Persons in formation are brought to order arms or called to attention as appropriate. The 

formation commander shall face in the direction of the ensign or, in the absence of the ensign, 

shall face in the direction of the music and shall render the appropriate salute for the unit. 

Persons in formation participating in a ceremony shall, on command, follow the procedure 

prescribed for the ceremony. Persons in vehicles or in boats shall follow the procedure 

prescribed in the following article for such persons during colors. Persons in civilian clothes 

shall comply with the rules and customs established for civilians. 

2. The same marks of respect prescribed during the playing of the National Anthem shall be 

shown during the playing of a foreign national anthem. 

1206. Morning and evening colors. 

1. The ceremonial hoisting and lowering of the national ensign at 0800 and sunset at a naval 

command ashore or aboard a ship of the Navy not under way shall be known as morning and 

evening colors, respectively, and shall be carried out as prescribed in this article. 

2. The guard of the day and the band shall be paraded in the vicinity of the point of hoist of the 

ensign. 

3. “Attention” shall be sounded, followed by the playing of the National Anthem by the band. 

4. At morning colors, the ensign shall be started up at the lbeginning of the music and hoisted 

smartly to the peak or truck. At evening colors, the ensign shall be started from the peak or truck 

at the beginning of the music and the lowering so regulateci as to be completed at the last note. 

5. At the completion of the music, “Carry On” shall be sounded. 

6. In the absence of a band, or an appropriate recording to be played over a public address 

system, “To the Colors” shall be played by the bugle at morning colors, and “Retreat” at evening 

colors. The salute shall be rendered as prescribed for the National Anthem. 

7. In the absence of music, “Attention” and “Carry On” shall be the si~als for rendering and 

terminating the salute. “Carry On” shall be sounded as socm as the ensign is completely lowered. 

8. During colors, a boat under way within sight or hearing of the ceremony shall lie to, or shall 

proceed at the slowest safe speed. The boat officer, or the coxswain in the absence of the boat 

officer, shall stand and salute except when dangerous to dcl so. Other persons in the boat shall 

remain seated or standing and shall not salute. 

9, During colors, vehicles within sight or hearing of the ceremony shall be stopped. Persons 

riding in such vehicles shall remain seated at attention. 

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10. After morning colors, if foreign warships are present, the national anthem of each nation so 

represented shall be played in the order in which a gun salute would be fired to, or exchanged 

with, the senior official or officer present of each such nation; provided that, when in a foreign 

port, the national anthem of the port shall be played immediately after morning colors, followed 

by the national anthems of other foreign nations represented. 

1207. Salutes to the national ensign. 

1. Each person in the naval service, upon coming on board a ship of the Navy, shall salute the 

national ensign if it is flying. He or she shall stop on reaching the upper platform of the 

accommodation ladder, or the shipboard end of the brow, face the national ensign, and render the 

salute, after which he or she shall salute the officer of the deck. On leaving the ship, he or she 

shall render the salutes in inverse order. The officer of the deck shall return both salutes in each 

case. 

a. After rendering the appropriate salute to the national ensign, an officer coming on 

board a ship to which he or she is attached shall report his or her return. An officer coming on 

board a ship to which he or she is not attached shall request permission to come on board and 

shall state his or her business. An enlisted person shall request permission to come on board, and 

shall state his or her business if the ship is not the one to which he or she is attached. 

b. After rendering the appropriate salute to the officer of the deck, an officer shall state 

that he or she has permission to leave. An enlisted person shall request permission to leave. 

2. A member not in uniform shall render appropriate honors to the national ensign by facing the 

flag and standing at attention with the right hand over the lheart. If covered, men shall remove 

their headdress with the right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. 

3. Each person in the naval service in uniform, upon being passed by or passing a military 

formation carrying the national ensign uncased shall render the hand salute. A member not in 

uniform being passed by or passing such a formation shall face the flag and stand at attention 

with the left hand over the heart. If covered, men shall remove the headdress and hold it at the 

left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in vehicles or boats shall follow the 

procedure prescribed for such persons during colors. 

4, The salutes prescribed in this article shall also be rendered to foreign national flags and 

ensigns and aboard foreign men-of-war, unless to do so would cause embarrassment or 

misunderstanding. Aboard foreign men-of-war, the practice of the host nation maybe followed, 

if known. 

1208. “Hail to the Chief,” 

1. The traditional music selection “Hail to the Chief’ is designated as a musical tribute to the 

President of the United States, and as such will not be performed by naval bands as a tribute to 

other dignitaries. The same honors as accorded during renditions of the National Anthem or “To 

the Colors” will be given to “Hail to the Chief’ by naval personnel. 

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2. When performed by naval bands, renditions of “Hail to the Chief’ shall be as prescribed in 

the official U.S. Marine Band arrangement, which is designated as the official Department of 

Defense arrangement. 

HAND SALUTES AND OTHER MARKS OF RESPECT 

1209. Exchange of hand salutes. 

1. The hand salute is the long-established form of greeting and recognition exchanged between 

persons in the armed services. All persons in the naval service shall be alert to render or return 

the salute as prescribed in these regulations. 

2. The salute by persons in the naval service shall be rendered and returned with the right hand, 

when practicable. With arms in hand, the salute appropriate thereto shall be rendered or 

returned. 

3. Juniors shall salute first. All salutes received when in uniform and covered shall be returned; 

at other times salutes received shall be appropriately acknc~wledged. Persons uncovered shall not 

salute, except when failure to do so would cause embarrassment or misunderstanding. 

4. Civilians maybe saluted by persons in uniform when appropriate, but the uniform hat or cap 

shall not be raised as a form of salutation. 

5. A person in the naval service not in uniform shall, in rendering salutes or exchanging 

greetings, comply with the rules and customs established for a civilian, except that, when 

saluting another person in the armed services, the hand salute shall be used. 

1210. Occasions for rendering hand salutes. 

1. Salutes shall be rendered by persons in the naval service to officers of the armed services of 

the Untied States, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric iidrninistration, the Public Health 

Service and foreign armed services. 

2. All persons in the naval service shall salute all officers senior to themselves on each occasion 

of meeting or passing near or when addressing or being addressed by such officers; except that: 

a. On board ship, salutes shall be dispensed with after the first daily meeting, except for 

those rendered to the commanding oftlcer and officer senior to him or her, to visiting officers, to 

officers making inspections, and to officers when addressing or being addressed by them. 

b. When such procedure does not conflict with the spirit of these regulations, at crowded 

gatherings or in congested areas, salutes shall be rendered only by a person addressing or being 

addressed by an officer who is senior to him or her. 

c. Persons at work or engaged in games shall salute only when addressed by an officer 

senior to them and then only if circumstances warrant. 

d. Persons in formation shall salute only on command. 

e. When boats pass each other with embarked officers or officials in view, hand salutes 

shall be rendered by the senior officer and coxswain in each boat. Officers seated in boats shall 

not rise when saluting; coxswains shall rise unless it is dangerous or impracticable to do so. 

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f, Persons operating moving motor vehicles should not render or return salutes. 

Passengers will render and return salutes. 

g. Persons guarding prisoners will not salute. 

171O.7A 

1211. Other marks of respect. 

1. Juniors shall show deference to seniors at all times by recognizing their presence and by 

employing a courteous and respectful bearing and mode of speech toward them. 

2. Juniors shall stand at attention, unless seated at mess, or unless circumstances make such 

action impracticable or inappropriate: 

a. When addressed by an officer senior to them. 

b. When an officer of flag or general rank, the commanding officer, or an officer senior 

to the commanding officer in the chain of command, or an officer making an official inspection 

enters the room, compartment or deck space where they maybe. 

3. Juniors shall walk or ride on the left of seniors whom they are accompanying. 

4. Officers shall enter boats, aircraft and automobiles in inverse order of rank and shall leave 

them in order of rank, unless there is special reason to the contrary. The seniors shall be 

accorded the more desirable seats. 

5. Subject to the requirements of the rules for preventing collisions, junior boats shall avoid 

crowding or embarrassing senior boats. 

GUN SALUTES 

1212. Saluting ships and stations. Saluting ships and stations of the naval service are those 

designated as such by the Secretary of the Navy or by the Secretary’s duly authorized 

representative. The gun salutes prescribed in these regulations shall be freed by such ships and 

stations. Other ships and stations shall not fire gun salutes unless directed to do so by the senior 

officer present on exceptional occasions when courtesy requires. 

1213. Gun salutes to the flag of the President or the Secretary of State. 

1. A 21 -gun salute shall be fired to the flag of the President: 

a. by each ship falling in with a ship displaying such flag, arriving at a place where such 

flag is displayed ashore or present, when such flag is broken; 

b. by a naval station when a ship displaying such flag arrives at the naval station, or 

when such flag is broken by a ship present; and 

c. by a flag or general officer assuming command or, while in command, breaking the 

flag of an increased grade, in the presence of a ship or naval station displaying the flag of the 

President. 

2. Under the circumstances prescribed by this article, a 19-gun salute shall be fired to the flag of 

the Secretary of State when acting as special foreign representative of the President. 

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1214. Gun salutes to the flag of the Secretary of Defense, Deputy Secretary of Defense, the 

Secretary of the Navy, and Under Secretary of Defense,, and Assistant Secretary of Defense, 

the General Counsel of the Department of Defense, the Under Secretary of the Navy or an 

Assistant Secretary of the Navy. 

1. A 19-gun salute shall be fired to the flag of the Secretary of Defense, Deputy Secretary of 

Defense, the Secretary of the Navy, Under Secretary of the Navy, Under Secretary of Defense, 

the General Counsel of the Department of Defense, or the Under Secretary or an Assistant 

Secretary of the Navy: 

a. by each ship falling in with a ship displaying such flag, arriving at a place where such 

flag is displayed ashore or present when such flag is broken. When two or more ships are in 

company, only the senior shall salute; 

b. by a naval station when a ship displaying such flag arrives at the naval station, or 

when such flag is broken by a ship present; and 

c. by a flag or general officer assuming command or, while in command, breaking the 

flag of an increased grade, in the presence of a ship or naval station displaying the flag of such 

official; provided that such officer is the senior officer present or the senior officer present on 

shore. 

2. When the flags of two or more such officials are displayed under the circumstances 

prescribed by this article, only the flag of the senior shall be saluted. 

1215. Gun salutes to a foreign nation. 

1. When a ship enters a port of a foreign nation, the government of which is formally recognized 

by the Government of the United States, she shall fire a salute of21 guns to that nation unless: 

a. there is present no saluting battery or warship of that nation capable of returning the 

salute; or 

b. the ship is returning from a temporary absence from port, when, by agreement with 

local authorities, the salute may be dispensed with. 

2. When a ship is passing through the territorial waters of a foreign nation with no intention of 

anchoring therein, the salute to the nation need not be fired unless unusual circumstances make it 

desirable to do so. 

3. In case of two or more ships arriving in port or passing through territorial waters of a foreign 

nation in company, only the senior shall fire the salute prescribed in this article. 

4. The salute to the nation, if fired, shall precede any salutes fired in honor of individuals. 

1216. Returning salute to the nation fired by foreign warship. A salute to the nation fired by 

a foreign warship entering a port of the United States shalll be returned by the senior ship present, 

provided no saluting battery of an armed service of the United States, desi@ated to return such 

salutes, is present in the area. 

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1217. Gun salutes to the flag of a foreign president, sovereign or member of a reigning 

royal family. 

1. A 21 -gun salute shall be fired by a ship or station to the flag or standard of the president, 

sovereign or member of a reigning royal fmily under the circumstances prescribed in these 

regulations for firing a salute to the flag of the President of the United States. 

2. In some foreign countries it is the custom to fire special. 21-gun salutes on certain occasions in 

honor of the president, sovereign or member of the reigning royal fhrnily. In such cases, ships 

shall conform to the national custom when requested by the proper local authorities. 

1218. Gun salutes when several heads of state are present. 

1. Each ship, upon entering a port where the personal flags or standards of several presidents, 

sovereigns or members of reigning royal families are displayed, shall fire a 21 -gun salute to each 

of the several flags or standards displayed, in the following order: 

a. the president, sovereign or member of the reigning royal family of the nation to which 

the port belongs; 

b. the President of the United States; 

c. the presidents or sovereigns of other nations, in alphabetical order of the names of the 

nations in the English language; and 

d. members of reigning royal families of other nations, in the same order as in 

subparagraph c. above. 

2. In the circumstances set forth in this article, only the flag or standard of the senior dignitary of 

each nation will be saluted. 

1219. Authority to fire gun salutes to officers in the United States naval service. Gun 

salutes prescribed in Article 1235 of these regulations for officers and officials entitled to 17 or 

more guns shall be fired on the occasion of each official visit of the individual concerned. Gun 

salutes prescribed in these regulations for officers and officials entitled to 15 guns or less shall 

not be fired unless so ordered by the senior officer present or higher authority. 

1220. Gun salutes to the senior officer present. 

1. A flag officer who is the senior officer present shall be saluted by the senior of one or more 

ships arriving in port. 

2. When a flag officer embarked in a ship of his or her command arrives in port and is the senior 

officer present, or when a flag officer assumes command and becomes the senior officer present, 

he or she shall be saluted by the former senior officer present. 

3. A gun salute shall be fired by the flagship when a flag officer who is the senior officer present 

assumes or is relieved of command, or is advanced in grade. 

4. The provisions of this article shall be subject to the provisions of Article 1226.4 and shall 

apply, where appropriate, to officers of the naval service in command ashore. 

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1221. Gun salutes to foreign flag officers. 

1. When a ship enters a port where there is present no officer of the naval service senior to the 

senior arriving officer, and finds displayed there, afloat or ashore, the flags of foreign flag 

officers of one or more nations, salutes shall be exchanged with the senior flag officer present of 

each nation. 

2. The senior officer present of the United States Navy in a port shall exchange gun salutes with 

the senior foreign flag officer displaying a flag in an arriving warship, provided such flag officer 

is the senior officer present of his or her nation. 

3. Upon departure from port of the senior officer present of the United States Navy, the new 

senior officer present shall exchange gun salutes with the senior flag officer present of each 

foreign nation. 

4. The senior officer present of the United States Navy shall exchange gun salutes with the 

senior officer present of a foreign nation when either hoists the flag of an increased grade. 

5. In firing the salutes prescribed by this article, the following rules shall govern: 

a. An officer of a junior grade shall fire the first salute. 

b. When officers are of the same grade, the arriving officer shall fire the first salute. 

c. Seniors shall be saluted in order of rank, except that when firing salutes to two or more 

foreign officers of the same grade, the first salute fired to an officer in that grade shall be to the 

flag officer the nationality of the port. 

6. When a ship of the Navy falls in at sea with a foreign warship displaying the flag of a flag 

officer, an exchange of salutes shall be fired, the junior saluting first. Such salutes shall be 

exchanged only between the senior United States ship and the senior foreign ship. Should flag 

officers be of the same grade and their relative rank be unlmown or in doubt, they should 

mutually salute without delay. 

7. The provisions of this article shall be subject to the provisions of Article 1226.4. 

1222. Notification of gun salute. Whenever practicable, an official or officer to be saluted 

shall be notified of the salute and the time that it is to be fired. 

1223. Procedure during a gun salute. 

1. The interval between gun salutes normally shall be five seconds. 

2. During the gun salute, persons on the quarterdeck, or in the ceremonial party if ashore, shall 

render the hand salute. Observers on deck, or in the vicinity of the ceremonial party if ashore, 

shall stand at attention facing the personage, or if the personage is not in view, toward the 

ceremonial party, and if in uniform shall salute. 

3. Officers being saluted shall render the hand salute during the firing of the gun salute. 

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4. The boat or vehicle in which a person being saluted is embarked shall be stopped, if 

practicable to do so, during the firing of the gun salute. 

1224. Inability to render or return a gun salute. 

1. A gun salute shall not be fired when a return salute is required and cannot be fired, but shall 

be considered as having been rendered and returned. 

2. In cases where, from any special cause, a ship, from which a salute in compliment to a foreign 

power or official may reasonably be expected, is unable to salute, the circumstances are to be 

explained immediately to the representative of such foreign power. 

3. In cases where, from any special circumstances, the failure to salute cannot be explained 

without giving offense to a foreign power or official, salutes shall be fired by anyship which can 

do so with safety. 

1225. Returning a gun salute. 

1. The following rules shall be observed by United States ships and stations: 

a. A salute fired to the nation by a foreign ship aniving in port shall be returned gun for 

gun. 

b. A salute fired to a flag or general officer by a foreign ship or station shall be returned 

gun for gun. 

c. A salute fired in honor of the President of the United States, or of the Secretary of 

State when acting as special representative of the President, shall not be returned. 

d. A salute fired in honor of any official or officer on the occasion of an official visit or 

inspection shall not be returned. 

e. A salute fired in honor of a flag or general officer by his or her flagship or 

headquarters shall not be returned. 

f. A salute fired in honor of an anniversary, celebration or solemnity shall not be 

returned. 

g. Subject to the provisions of this article, a salute fired in honor of a United States 

officer or official shall be returned with the number of guns specified for the grade of the flag or 

general officer rendering the salute, or, if he or she is not a flag or general officer, with seven 

guns. 

2. No return salute maybe expected in the case of a salute fwed by a United States ship or 

station in honor of a foreign sovereign, head of state, member of a reigning royal family or 

special representative of a head of state, or on the occasion of a foreign anniversary, celebration 

or solemnity, or on the occasion of an official visit. Otherwise a salute fired in honor of a 

foreign nation, or of a foreign official or officer, may be e~pected to be returned gun for gun. 

1226. Restrictions on gun salutes. 

1. In the presence of the President of the United States, or the president, sovereign or a member 

of the reigning royal family of a foreign nation, no gun salute which maybe prescribed 

elsewhere in these regulations shall be fired to any other official of lesser rank of that nation. 

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2. When two or more officials or officers, each entitled to a gun salute, make an official visit in 

company to a ship or station, only the senior shall be saluted. If they arrive or depart at different 

times, each shall be rendered the gun salute to which he or she is entitled. 

3, Salutes shall not be fired in ports or locations where they are forbidden by local regulations. 

4. No official or officer, United States or foreign, except those entitled to 17 or more guns, shall 

be saluted by the same ship or station more than once in 12 months, unless, and subject to the 

other provisions of these regulations, such official or officer has been advanced in grade, makes 

an official visit or inspection, or is on special duty in which international courtesy is involved or 

exceptional circumstances exist. In the latter case, the commanding officer, in the absence of 

instructions, shall exercise discretion. 

5. No officer, except a flag or general officer, shall be saluted with guns except in return for a 

gun salute. 

6. No officer of the armed services, while in civilian clothes, shall be saluted with guns, unless 

he or she is at the time acting in an official civil capacity. 

7. No salute shall be fired between sunset and sunrise, before 0800 or on Sunday, except where 

international courtesy so dictates, or when related to death ceremonies. Subject to the provisions 

of this paragraph, a gun salute in honor of an official or officer who arrives before 0800 shall be 

fired at 0800. However, if the day is Sunday, the salute shall be fired on Monday. The salute 

shall not be fired if the official or officer has departed meanwhile. In case of a gun salute at 

0800, the first gun of the salute shall be fired immediately upon the completion of morning 

colors or the last note of the last national anthem. 

PASSING 

HONORS 

1227. “Passing honors” and “close aboard” defined. “Passing honors” are those honors, 

other than gun salutes, rendered on occasions when ships or embarked officials or officers pass, 

or are passed, close aboard. “Close aboard” shall mean passing within six hundred yards for 

ships and four hundred yards for boats. These rules shall be interpreted liberally, to ensure that 

appropriate honors are rendered. 

1228. Passing honors between ships. 

1. Passing honors, consisting of sounding “Attention” ancl rendering the hand salute by all 

persons on view on deck and not in ranks, shall be exchanged between ships of the Navy and 

between ships of the Navy and the Coast Guard, passing close aboard. 

2. In addition, the honors prescribed in Table 2 shall be rendered by a ship of the Navy passing 

close aboard a ship or naval station displaying the flag of the officials indicated therein and by 

naval stations, insofar as practicable, when a ship displaying such flag passes close aboard. 

These honors shall be acknowledged by rendering the same honors in return. 

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OPNAVINST 1710.7A 

15 Jun2001 

1229. Passing honors to officials and officers embarked in boats. 

1. The honors prescribed in Table 3 shall be rendered by a ship of the Navy being passed close 

aboard by a boat displaying the flag or pennant of the following officials and officers. 

2. Persons on the quarterdeck shall salute when a boat passes close aboard in which a flag 

officer, a unit commander or a commanding officer is embarked as indicated by a display of a 

personal flag, command pennant, commission pennant or miniature thereof. 

1230. Passing honors to foreign dignitaries and warships. 

1. The honors prescribed for the President of the United States shall be rendered by a ship of the 

Navy being passed close aboard by a ship or boat displaying the flag or standard of a foreign 

president, sovereign or member of a reigning royal family, except that the foreign national 

anthem shall be played in lieu of the national anthem of the United States. 

2. Passing honors shall be exchanged with foreign warshil?s passed close aboard and shall 

consist of parading the guard of the day, sounding “Attention,” rendering the salute by all 

persons in view on deck, and playing the foreign national anthem. 

1231. Sequence in rendering passing honors. 

1. “Attention” shall be sounded by the junior when the bow of one ship passes the bow or stern 

of the other, or, if the senior is embarked in a boat, before the boat is abreast, or nearest to 

abreast, the quarterdeck. 

2, The guard, if required, shall present arms, and all persons in view on deck shall salute. 

3. The music, if required, shall sound off. 

4. “Carry on” shall be sounded when the prescribed honors have been rendered and 

acknowledged. 

1232. Dispensing with passing honors. 

1. Passing honors shall not be rendered after sunset or before 0800 except when international 

courtesy requires. 

2. Passing honors shall not be exchanged between ships of the Navy engaged in tactical 

evolutions outside port. 

3. The senior officer present may direct that passing honors be dispensed within whole or in 

part. 

4. Passing honors shall not be rendered by nor required offships with small bridge areas, such as 

submarines, particularly when in restricted waters. 

1233. Crew at quarters on entering or leaving port. 

1. The crew shall be paraded at quarters during daylight on entering or leaving port on occasions 

of ceremony except when weather or other circumstances make it impracticable or undesirable to 

do so. Occasions of ceremony include: 

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a. visits that are not operational; 

b. at homeport when departing for or returning frolm a lengthy deployment; 

c. visits to foreign ports not visited recently and 

d. other special occasions so determined by a superior. 

2, In lieu of parading the entire crew at quarters, an honor guard maybe paraded in a 

conspicuous place on weather decks. 

OFFICIAL VISITS AND CALLS 

1234. Definitions. 

1. An official visit is a formal visit of courtesy requiring special honors and ceremonies. 

2. A call is an informal visit of courtesy requiring so special ceremonies. 

1235. Table of honors for official visits of United States officers. Except as modified or 

dispensed with by these regulations, the honors prescribed in Table 4 shall be rendered by a ship 

or station on the occasion of the official visits of the United States officers listed therein (ashore, 

the single gun salute, when prescribed, shall be fired on arrival instead of on departure. 

1236. Table of honors for official visits of United States civil officials. Except as modified or 

dispensed with by these regulations, the honors prescribed in Table 5 shall be rendered by a ship 

or station on the occasion of the official visits of the following United States civil officials 

(ashore, the single gun salute, when prescribed, shall be fired on arrival instead of on departure). 

1237. Table of honors for official visits of foreign officials and officers. Except as modified 

or dispensed with by these regulations, the honors prescribed in Table 6 shall be rendered by a 

ship or station on the occasion of the official visits of the following foreign officials and officers 

(ashore, the single gun salute, when prescribed, shall be fired on arrival instead of on departure). 

1238. Table of precedence of diplomatic and consular representatives. A diplomatic 

representative in a country to which accredited, and a consular representative in a district to 

which assigned, takes precedence as set forth in Table 7. 

1239. Official visits to the President and to civil officials of the Department of Defense. 

When the President, the Secretary of Defense, Deputy Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of the 

Navy, and Under Secretary of Defense, and Assistant Secretary of the Navy, away from the seat 

of government, arrives in the vicinity of a naval command, the senior officer present shall, if 

practicable and appropriate, pay such person an official visit. Such visit ordinarily is not 

returned. 

1240. Official visits and calls among officers of the naval service. 

1. An officer assuming command shall, at the first opportunity thereafter, make an official visit 

to the senior to whom he or she is reporting for duty in command, and to any successor of that 

senior; except that for shore commands a call shall be made in lieu of such official visit. 

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2. Unless dispensed with by the senior, calls shall be made: 

a. By the commander of an arriving unit upon his or her immediate superior in the chain 

of command if present; and, when circumstances permit, upon the senior officer present. 

b. By an officer in command upon an immediate superior in the chair of command upon 

the arrival of the latter. 

c. By an officer who has been the senior officer present, upon his or her successor. 

d. By the commander of a unit arriving at a naval base or station upon the commander of 

such base or station; except that when the former is senior, the latter shall make the call. 

e. By an officer reporting for duty, upon the commanding officer. 

3. When arrivals occur after 1600, or on Sunday, or on a holiday, the required calls may be 

postponed until the next working day. \ 

1241. Official visits or calls between officers of the naval service and other armed services. 

When in the vicinity of a command of another armed service of the United States, the senior 

officer present in the naval service shall arrange with the commander concerned for the exchange 

of official visits, or calls, as appropriate. 

1242. Official visits with United States diplomatic and consular representatives. 

1. Upon arrival in a foreign port where United States diplomatic or consular representatives 

accredited to that foreign government are present, the senior officer present shall, if time and - 

circumstances permit, exchange official visits with both the senior diplomatic representative and 

the senior consular representative present. When practicable, prior notice of arrival in port, and 

the probable duration of stay, shall be given to such representatives. A suitable boat shall be 

furnished them for making official visits. 

2. Officers of the naval service shall make the first visit to the chief of a diplomatic mission of 

or above the rank of charg6 d’affaires. 

3. In the exchange of visits with consular representatives, officers in the naval service shall 

make or receive the first official visit in accordance with tlheir relative precedence with the 

consular representatives concerned, as set forth in the precedence table of this chapter. 

1243. Official visits with governors of United States territories, commonwealths and 

possessions. 

1. At the seat of government of a United States territory, commonwealth or possession having a 

governor general or governor commissioned as such by the President, the senior officer present 

shall, within 24 hours after arrival or assuming command, make an official visit to the governor 

general, governor or, in the absence of that official, to the acting governor general or governor. 

2. When the senior officer permanently established in command ashore in such territory, 

commonwealth or possession is not the senior officer present, such officer shall also make an 

official visit to the governor general or governor as soon as practicable after assuming command. 

3. Similar visits shall be made whenever a governor general or governor assumes office. 

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4. A flag or general officer may expect such visits to be returned in person by the official 

whom it was made. Other officers may expect such visits to be returned by a suitable 

representative. 

171O.7A 

to 

5. The provisions of this article shall apply in the case of an officer of the armed services 

commissioned as governor general or g-o-vemorby the President, regardless of such officer’s 

naval or military rank. 

6. Modifications of the provisions of this article maybe effected upon agreement with the 

governor general or governor. 

1244. Official visits with foreign officials and officers. 

1. The senior officer present shall make official visits to foreign officials and officers as custom 

and courtesy demand. 

2. When in doubt as to what foreign officials and officers are to be visited, saluted or otherwise 

honored, or as to the rank of any official or officer, or whether a gun salute involving a return 

will be returned, the senior officer present shall send an officer to obtain the required 

information. 

3. When exchanging official visits with a foreign officer who occupies a position comparable to 

the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Chief of Staff, U.S. Army, Chief of Naval Operations, Chief 

of Staff, U.S. Air Force or Commandant of the Marine Corps, the rank of the foreign officer shall 

be considered equivalent to these United States officers and the first official visit shall be made 

accordingly. 

4. The following rules, in which the maritime powers generally have concurred, shall be 

observed by officers of the naval service, and their observance by foreign officers maybe 

expected: 

a, The senior officer present shall, upon the arrival of foreign warships, send an officer to 

call upon the officer in command of the arriving ships to alffer customary courtesies and 

exchange information as appropriate, except that in a foreign port such calls shall be made only 

if the officer in command of the arriving ships is the senior officer present afloat of his or her 

nation. This call will be returned at once. 

b. Within 24 hours after arrival, the senior officer in command of arriving ships shall, if 

the senior officer present of his or her nation, make an official visit to the senior officer present 

of each foreign nation who holds and equal or superior grade, and the senior officer present of 

each foreign nation who holds a junior grade will make an official visit to the senior officer in 

command of the arriving ships within the same time limit. 

c. After the interchange of visits between the senior officer specified above, other flag 

officers in command and the commanding officers of ships arriving shall exchange official visits, 

when appropriate, with the flag and commanding officers of ships present. An arriving officer 

shall make the first visits to officers present who hold equal or superior grades, and shall receive 

the frost visits from others. 

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171O.7A 

d. It is customary for calls to be exchanged by committees of wardroom oflicers of the 

ships of different nations present, in the order in which their respective commanding officers 

have exchanged visits. 

e. Should another officer become the senior officer present of a nation, he or she shall 

exchange official visits with foreign senior officers present as prescribed in this article. 

1245. Uniform for official visits. Unless otherwise prescribed by the senior concerned: 

a. A junior making an official visit shall wear the uniform prescribed in the tables of this 

chapter opposite the grade of the senior to whom the visit is made. 

b. A senior returning an official visit shall wear the uniform corresponding to that which 

the junior has worn. 

c. h officer receiving an official visit, and all participants in the reception, including the 

crew if paraded, shall wear the uniform prescribed in the tables of this chapter opposite the grade 

of the official or officer fi-om whom the visit is received. 

d. Boat crews shall wear the uniform corresponding to that worn by the senior officer 

embarked. 

1246. Honors on departure for, or return from, an official visit. An officer leaving or 

returning to his or her flagship or command upon the occasion of an official visit shall be 

rendered the honors prescribed for an official visit except that, aboard the officer’s flagship, the 

uniform of the day normally shall be worn and gun salutes shall not be fired. 

1247. Procedure for official visits. 

1. The honors prescribed for an official visit shall be rendered on arrival as follows: 

a, When the rail is manned, personnel shall be uniformly spaced at the rail on each 

weather deck, facing outboard. 

b. “Attention” shall be sounded as the visitor’s boat or vehicle approaches the ship. 

c. If a gun salute is prescribed on arrival, it shall be fired as the visitor approaches and is 

still clear of the side. The prescribed flag or pennant shall be broken on the visited ship on the 

first gun and hauled down on the last gun except where prescribed in the Table of Honors for the 

duration of the visit. Other ships firing a concurrent salute shall, on the last gun, haul down the 

flag or pennant displayed in honor of the visitor. If the ship being visited is moored to a pier in 

such a position that is not practicable to render the gun salute prior to the arrival on board, the 

salute shall be rendered, provided local regulations do not forbid gun salutes, after the official 

has arrived on board and the commanding officer has assured him-or herself that the official and 

the official party are moved to a position in the ship that is well clear of the saluting battery. 

d. The boat or vehicle shall be piped as it comes alongside. 

e. The visitor shall be piped over the side, and all persons on the quarterdeck shall salute 

and the guard shall present arms until the termination of the pipe flourishes, music or gun salute, 

whichever shall be the last rendered. If the gun salute is not prescribed on arrival and a flag or 

pennant is to be displayed during the visit, it shall be broken at the start of the pipe. 

f. The piping of the side, the ruffles and flourishes, and the music shall be rendered in the 

order named. In the absence of a band, “To the Colors” shall be sounded by bugle in lieu of the 

National Anthem, when required. 

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g. The visitor, if entitled to 11 guns or more, shall be invited to inspect the guard upon 

completion of such honors as maybe rendered. 

2. The honors prescribed for an official visit shall be rendered on departure as follows: 

a, The rail shall be manned, if required. 

b. “Attention” shall be sounded as the visitor arrives on the quarterdeck. 

c. At the end of leave taking, the guard shall present arms, all persons on the quarterdeck 

shall salute and the ruffles and flourishes, followed by the music, shall be rendered. As the 

visitor enters the line of side boys, he or she shall be piped over the side. The salute and present 

arms shall terminate with the pipe; and, unless a gun salute is to be fired, a flag or pennant 

displayed in honor of the visitor shall be hauled down. 

d. The boat or vehicle shall be piped away from the side. 

e. If a gun salute is prescribed on departure, it shall be fired when the visitor is clear of 

the side and the flag or pennant displayed in honor of the visitor shall be hauled down with the 

last gun of the salute. 

3. The same honors and ceremonies as for an official visit to a ship of the Navy shall be 

rendered, insofar as practicable and appropriate, on the occasion of an official visit to a naval 

station except that manning the rail, piping the side, and parading side boys are not considered 

appropriate. When, in the opinion of the senior officer present, such honors will serve a definite 

purpose, they be rendered. 

1248. Returning official visits and calls. 

1. An official visit shall be returned within 24 hours, when practicable. 

2. A flag or general officer shall, circumstances permitting, return the official visits of officers in 

the grade of captain in the Navy or senior thereto, and to officials of corresponding grade. His or 

her chief of staff maybe sent to return other official visits. 

3. Officers other than flag or general officers shall personally return all official visits. 

4. Flag and general officers may expect official visits to be returned in person by foreign 

governors, officers, and other high officials except chiefs of state. Other officers may expect 

such visits to be returned by suitable representatives. 

5. Calls made by juniors upon seniors in the naval service shall be returned as courtesy requires 

and circumstances permit; calls made by persons not in the naval service shall be returned. 

1249. Side honors. 

1. On the arrival and departure of civil officials and foreign officers, and of United States 

officers when so directed by the senior officer present, the side shall be piped and the appropriate 

number of side boys paraded. 

2. Officers appropriate to the occasion shall attend the side on the arrival and departure of 

officials and officers. 

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1250. Dispensing with side boys andguard and band. 

1. Side boys shall not be paraded on Sunday, or other days between sunset and 0800, or during 

meal hours of the crew, general drills and evolutions, and periods of regular overhaul, except in 

honor of civil officials or foreign officers, when they may lbe paraded at anytime during 

daylight. Side boys shall be paraded only for scheduled visits. 

2. Except for official visits and other formal occasions, side boys shall not be paraded in honor 

of officers of the armed services of the United States, unless otherwise directed by the senior 

officer present. 

3, Side boys shall not be paraded in honor of an officer of the armed services in civilian clothes, 

unless he or she is at the time acting in an official civil capacity. 

4. The side shall be piped when side boys are paraded, but not at other times. 

5. The guard and band shall not be paraded in honor of the arrival or departure of an individual 

at times when side boys in his or her honor are dispensed with except at naval shore installations. 

1251. Uniform for members of the Marine Corps. Members of the Marine Corps will wear 

dress uniform when fill dress is prescribed for naval perscmnel. 

FORMAL OCCASIONS OTHER THAN OFFICIAL VISITS 

1252. Honors to an official entitled to 19 or more guns. An official or officer entitled to a 

salute of 19 or more guns shall receive the honors for an official visit, subject to the regulations 

pertaining to gun salutes, on the occasion of every visit. 

1253. Honors for a flag or general officer, or unit commander, assuming or relieving 

command. 

1. On the occasion of a flag or general officer or unit commander assuming command, and on 

the departure of such officer after being relieved, honors s’hall be rendered as for an official visit, 

subject to the regulations pertaining to gun salutes. 

2. A flag officer or unit commander assuming command shall read his or her orders to the 

assembled officers and crew, immediately after which his or her flag or command pennant shall 

be broken, and a gun salute, if required by these regulations, shall be fired. 

3. Under the conditions described in the preceding paragraph, an officer being relieved shall 

read his or her orders to the assembled officers and crew, an on completion thereof, or after the 

gun salute, if fired, his or her flag or command pennant shall be hauled down. The officer 

succeeding to command shall then read his or her orders, and on the completion thereof, his or 

her flag or command pennant shall be broken. Aboard ship, the commission pennant shall be 

displayed while no personal flag or command pennant is flying. 

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1254. Honors at official inspection. 

1. When a flag officer or unit commander boards a ship of the Navy to make an official 

inspection, honors shall be rendered as for an official visit, except that the uniform shall be as 

prescribed by the inspecting officer. The inspecting officer’s flag or command pennant shall be 

broken upon arrival, unless otherwise prescribed by these regulations, and shall be hauled down 

on departure of the inspecting officer. 

2. The provisions of this article shall apply, insofar as practicable and appropriate, when a flag 

or general officer, in command ashore, makes an official inspection of a unit of the command. 

1255. Honors for a civil official taking passage. When a civil official of the United States 

takes passage officially in a ship of the Navy, he or she shall, on embarking and disembarking, 

be rendered honors as prescribed for an official visit. In acidition, if entitled to a ~n salute, the 

official shall be rendered the salute upon disembarkation in a port of the foreign nation to which 

he or she is accredited. 

1256. Quarterdeck. The commanding officer of a ship shall establish the limits of the 

quarterdeck and the restrictions as to its use. The quarterdeck shall embrace so much of the main 

or other appropriate deck as maybe necessary for the proper conduct of offitiial and ceremonial 

fimctions. 

1257. Musical honors to the President of the United States. 

1. If, in the course of any ceremony, it is required that honors involving musical tribute to the 

President of the United States be performed more than one time, “Hail to the Chief” maybe used 

interchangeably with the National Anthem as honors to the President of the United States. 

2. When specified by the President of the United States, the Secretary of State, the Chief of the 

Secret Service, or their authorized representatives, “Hail to the Chief’ may be used as an 

opportunity for the President and immediate party to move to and from their places while all 

others stand fiist. 

DISPLAY 

OF FLAGS AND PENNANTS 

1258. Authorized display of flags and pennants. 

1. When the national ensign is displayed on occasions other than those prescribed in these 

regulations, the manner of display shall be as prescribed in Navy Department publications. 

2. No flags or pennants, other than as prescribed by these regulations or as may be directed by 

the Secretzuy of the Navy, shall be displayed fi-om a ship cmcraft of the Navy, or fi-om a naval 

station, as an honor to a nation, state or an individual or to indicate the presence of any 

individual, 

3. All flags and pennants displayed in accordance with these regulations shall conform to the 

pattern prescribed in Navy Department publication. 

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4. Flags or pennants of officers not eligible for command at sea shall not be displayed from 

ships of the United States Navy. 

1259. Display of national ensign, union jack and distinctive mark from ships and craft. 

1. The national ensign, union jack, personal flag or pennant, or commission pennant shall be 

displayed from ships and crafi of the Navy as specified k Table 8. 

2. The distinctive mark of a ship or craft of the Navy k ccm-mission shall be a personal flag or 

command pennant of an officer of the Navy, or a commission pennant. The distinctive mark of a 

hospital ship of the Navy, in commission, shall be the Red Cross flag. 

a. Not more than one distinctive mark shall be displayed by a ship or craft at anyone 

time, nor shall the commission pennant and the personal flag of a civil official be displayed at 

one time. 

b. Except as prescribed by these regulations for certain occasions of ceremony and when 

civil officials are embarked, the distinctive mark shall be clisplayed day and night at the afier 

masthead or, in a mastless ship, from the lofiiest and most conspicuous hoist. 

3. When not underway, the national ensign and the union jack shall be displayed from 0800 until 

sunset from the flagstaff and the jack staff, respectively. A ship which enters port at night shall, 

when appropriate, display the national ensign from the gaff at daylight for a time sufficient to 

establish her nationality, it is customary for other ships of war to display their national ensigns in 

return. 

4. The national ensign shall be displayed during daylight from the gaff (or from the triatic stay 

in the case of those ships with mast-mounted booms and stays which would interfere with the 

hoisting, lowering or flying of the ensign) of a ship underway under the following circumstances, 

unless or as otherwise directed by the senior officer present: 

a. Getting underway and coming to anchor. 

b. Falling in with other ships. 

c. Cruising near land. 

d. During battle. 

5. The union jack displayed from the jack staff shall be the size of the union of the national 

ensign displayed from the flagstaff. 

6. The union jack shall be displayed at a yardarm to denoite that a general court-martial or court 

of inquiry is in session. 

1260. National ensign at commands ashore. The national ensign shall be displayed from 0800 

to sunset near the headquarters of every command ashore, or at the headquarters of the senior 

when the proximity of headquarters of two or more commands makes the display of separate 

ensigns inappropriate. When an outlying activity of the command is so located that its 

governmental character is not clearly indicated by the display of the national ensign as prescribed 

above, the national ensign shall also be displayed at the activity. 

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1261. Display ofnational ensign during gun salute. 

1. Asfipofthe Na~shall display thenational ensi~at almasthead while fitinga salute in 

honor of a United States national anniversary or officials, as follows: 

a. At the main during the national salute prescribed for the third Monday in February and 

the Fourth of .luly. 

b. At the main during a 21 -gun salute to a United States civil official, except by a ship 

displaying the personal flag of the official being saluted. 

c. At the fore during a salute to any other United States civil official, except by a ship 

which is displaying the personal flag of the official being saluted. 

2. During the gun salute, the national ensign shall remain displayed from the gaff or the 

flagstaff, in addition to the display of the national ensign prescribed in this ,article. 

1262. Display of national ensign in boats. 

The national ensign shall be displayed from waterborne boats of the naval service: 

a. When underway during daylight in a foreign port. 

b. When ships are required to be dressed or fill-dressed. 

c. When going alongside a fore@n vessel. 

d. When an officer or official is embarked on an official occasion. 

e. When a flag or general officer, a unit commander, a commanding officer or a chief of 

staff, in uniform, is embarked in a boat of the command or in one assigned to the personal use of 

such an officer. 

f. At such other times as may be prescribed by the senior officer present. 

1263. Dipping the national ensign. 

1. When any vessel, under United States registry or the registry of a nation formally recognized 

by the Government of the United States, salutes a ship of the Navy by dipping her ensign, it shall 

be answered dip for dip. If not already being displayed, the national ensign shall be hoisted for 

the purpose of answering the dip. An ens@ being displaj~ed at half-mast shall be hoisted to the 

truck or peak before a dip is answered. 

2. No ship of the Navy shall dip the national ensign unless in return for such compliment. 

3. Of the colors carried by a naval force on shore, only the battalion or regimental colors shall be 

dipped in rendering or acknowledging a salute. 

4. Submarines, or other ships of the line in which it would be considered hazardous for 

personnel to do so, shall not be required to dip the ensign. 

1264. Half-roasting the national ensign and union jack. 

1. In half-roasting the national ensign, it shall, if not previously hoisted, first be hoisted to the 

truck or peak and then lowered to half-mast. Before lowering from half-mast, the ensign shall be 

hoisted to the truck or peak and then lowered. 

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2. When the national ensign is half-roasted, the union jaclc, if displayed from the jack staff, shall 

likewise be half-roasted. 

3. Personal flags, command pennants and commission pennants shall not be displayed at halfmast 

except as prescribed in these regulations for a deceased official or officer. 

4. When directed by the President, the national ensign shall be flown at half-mast at militq 

facilities and naval vessels and stations abroad whether or not the national ensign of another 

nation is flown full-mast alongside that of the United States. 

1265. Following motions of senior officer present in hoisting and lowering the national 

ensign. 

1. On board ship or a command ashore, upon all occasions of hoisting, lowering or half-roasting 

the national ensign, the motions of the senior officer present shall be followed, except as 

prescribed for answering a dip or firing a gun salute. 

2. A ship displaying the flag of the President, Secretary of Defense, Deputy Secretary of 

Defense, Secretary of the Navy, Under Secretary of Defense, an Assistant Secretary of Defense, 

Under Secretary of the Navy, or an Assistant Secretmy of the Navy shall be regarded as the ship 

of the senior officer within the meaning of this article. 

1266. Personal flags and pennants afloat. 

1. Except as otherwise prescribed in these regulations, a flag officer or unit commander afloat 

shall display his or her personal flag or command pennant from his or her flagship. At no time 

shall he .or she display the personal flag or command pennant fi-om more than one ship. 

2. When a flag officer eligible for command at sea is embarked for passage in a ship of the 

Navy, his or her personal flag shall be displayed ilom such ship, unless there is already displayed 

from such ship the flag of an officer senior to such officer, 

3. When a civil official, in whose honor the display of a personal flag is prescribed during an 

official visit, is embarked for passage in a ship of the Navy, his or her personal flag shall be 

displayed from such ship. 

4. A personal flag or command pennant maybe hauled down during battle or at any time when 

the officer concerned, or the senior officer present, considers it advisable thus to render a 

flagship less distinguishable. When hauled down, h shall be replaced with a commission 

pennant. 

5. An officer of the Navy commanding a ship engaged otherwise than in the service of the 

Untied States shall not display a personal flag, command pennant or commission pennant fi-om 

such ship, or in the bow of a boat. 

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6. A ship underway shall not display a personal flag or command pennant unless a flag officer or 

unit commander is aboard. Should a flagship get underwzry during the absence of a flag officer 

or unit commander, the personal flag or command pennant shall be hauled down and replaced 

with a commission pennant. 

1267. Broad or burgee command pennant. 

1. The broad or burgee command pennant shall be the personal command pennant of an officer 

of the Navy, not a flag officer, commanding a unit of ships or aircraft. 

2. The broad command pennant shall indicate command of 

a. a force, group or squadron of ships of any type; or 

b. an ah-craft wing or carrier air wing. 

3. The Burgee command pennant shall indicate command ofl 

a. A division of ships or craft. 

b. A major subdivision of an aircrafi wing. 

1268. Display of more than one personal flag or pennant aboard ship. 

1. When the personal flag of a civil official is displayed aboard a ship of the Navy, a personal 

flag or command pennant of an officer of the Navy shall be displayed, if required, as follows: 

a. Aboard a single-roasted ship, at the starboard yardarm. 

b. Aboard a two-roasted ship, at the fore truck. 

c. Aboard a ship with more than two masts, at the after truck. 

2. When, in accordance with these regulations, the personal flag of a civil official and the 

personal flag or command pennant of an officer of the Navy are displayed at the starboard 

yardarm, the personal flag of the civil official shall be displayed outboard. 

3. When two or more civil officials, for each of whom the display of a personal flag is 

prescribed, are embarked in the same ship of the Navy, the flag of the senior only shall be 

displayed. 

1269. Display of a personal flag or command pennant when a national ensign is at 

masthead, 

1. The President’s flag, if displayed at a masthead where a national ensign is required to be 

displayed during an official visit, or during periods of dressing an official visit, or during periods 

of dressing or full-dressing ship, shall remain at that masthead to port of the United States 

national ensign and to starboard of a foreign national ensign. 

2. Except as provided above, a personal flag or command pennant shall not be displayed at the 

same masthead with a national ensign, but shall: 

a. During a gun salute, be lowered clear of the ensign. 

b. During an official visit, be shifted to the starboard yardarm in a single-roasted ship and 

to the fore truck in a two-roasted ship. 

c. During periods of dressing or fill-dressing ship: 

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(1) If displayed from the fore truck or horn the masthead of a single-masted ship, 

be shifted to the starboard yardarm. 

(2) If displayed from the main truck, be shifted to the fore truck in lieu of the 

national ensign at the mast. 

(3) If displayed from the after truck of a ship with more than two masts, remain at 

the after truck in lieu of the national ensign at that mast. 

1270. Personal flags and pennants ashore. 

1. A flag or general officer ashore shall display his or her ]?ersonal flag day and night at a 

suitable and conspicuous place within his or her command. When such an officer makes an 

official inspection at an outlying activity of the command, his or her flag shall, if practicable and 

appropriate, be shifted to such outlying activity. 

2. A flag or general officer or unit commander of the operating forces whose headquarters are 

ashore shall display his or her personal flag or pennant day and night at a suitable and 

conspicuous place at his or her headquarters, unless it is displayed from a ship of the officer’s 

command. 

3. When the points for display of two or more personal flags ashore are in such close proximity 

as to make their separate display inappropriate, that of the senior officer present only shall be 

displayed. 

4. When a personal flag or a foreign ensign is required to ‘bedisplayed ashore during the official 

visit of, or a gun salute to, a civil official or foreign officer, it shall be displayed fi-om the normal 

point of display of a personal flag or pennant of the officer in command, and the latter’s flag or 

pennant shall be displayed at some other point within the command. 

5. During the official inspection by a flag or general officer of a unit of his or her command 

ashore, such officer’s personal flag shall displace a personal flag or pennant of the officer in 

command. 

6. If two or more civil officials, for each of whom the display of a personal flag is prescribed, 

are present officially at a command ashore at the same time, the flag of the senior only shall be 

displayed. 

1271. Personal flag or command pennant, when officer temporarily succeeded in 

command. 

1. When a flag or general officer or unit commander has been succeeded temporarily in 

command, as prescribed in these regulations, his or her personal flag or command pennant shall 

be hauled down. The officer who has succeeded temporarily to the command shall display the 

personal flag or command pennant to which he or she is entitled by these regulations. 

2. In a foreign port upon the occasion of the absence of a flag officer from the command for a 

period exceeding 72 hours, the command, subject to any directions from the flag officer, shall 

devolve on the senior officer present of the unit who is eligible for the exercise of command at 

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sea, but as standard procedure, the absent flag officer’s flag shall continue to be flown in his or 

her regular flagship until that ship is underway, at which time the personal flag shall be hauled 

down and not again hoisted until the absent flag officer returns to his or her flagship. 

Commanders in chief and fleet commanders have authority to modifi the procedure with respect 

to their personal flags as the exigencies of the services require. 

1272. Absence indicators. In ships, the absence of an official or officer whose personal flag or 

pennant is displayed, a chief of staf~ or a commanding officer shall be indicated from sunrise to 

sunset by the display of an absence indicator as prescribed in current instructions. 

1273. Personal flags and pennants of officers in boats, automobiles and aircraft. 

1, An officer in command, or a chief of staff when acting for him or her, when embarked in a 

boat of the naval service on official occasions, shall display from the bow the appropriate 

personal flag or command pennant or, if he or she is not entitled to either, a commission pennant. 

2. An officer entitled to the display of a personal flag, command pennant or commission pennant 

may display a miniature of such flag or pennant in the vicinity of the coxswain’s station within 

embarked on other than official occasions in a boat of the naval service. 

3. An officer entitled to the display of a personal flag or command pennant may, when riding in 

an automobile on an official occasion, display such flag or pennant forward on such vehicle. 

4. An officer entitled to the display of a personal flag or command pennant may, when 

embarked in an aircraft on an official occasion, display such flag or pennant on both sides just 

forward of and below the cockpit of such aircraft at rest. 

1274. Flags of civil officials in boats, automobiles and aircraft, A flag shall be displayed in 

the bow of a boat in the naval service whenever a United States civil official is embarked on an 

official occasion, as follows: 

a. A union jack for: 

(1) A diplomatic representative of or above the rank of charg6 d’affaires, within 

the waters of the country to which accredited. 

(2) A governor general or governor cornmi.ssioned as such by the President, 

within the area of his or her jurisdiction. 

b. The consular flag for a consular representative. 

c. The prescribed personal flag for other civil officials when they are entitled to the 

display of a personal flag during an official visit. 

d. A civil official entitled to the display of a personal flag may, when riding in an 

automobile on an official occasion, display such flag forward on such vehicle. 

e. A civil official entitled to the display of a personal flag may, when embarked in an 

aircraft, display a miniature of such flag on both sides just forward of and below the cockpit of 

such aircrafi at rest. 

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1275. Bow insignia and flagstaff insignia for boats. 

1. Boats regularly assigned to officers for their personal use shall carry insignia on each bow as 

follows: 

a. For a flag or general officer, the stars as arranged in his or her flag. 

b. For a unit commander not a flag officer, a replica of his or her command pennant. 

c. For a commanding officer, or a chief of staff not a flag officer, an arrow. 

2. Staffs for the ensign, and for the personal flag or pennant in a boat assigned to the personal 

use of a flag or general officer, unit commander, chief of staff or commanding officer, or in 

which a civil official is embarked, shall be fitted at the peak with devices as follows: 

a. A spread eagle for an official or officer whose official salute is 19 or more guns. 

b. A halberd: 

(1) For a flag or general officer whose official salute is less than 19 guns. 

(2) For a civil official whose official salute is 11 or more guns but less than 19 

guns. 

c. A ball: 

(1) For an officer of the grade, or relative gyade, of captain in the Navy 

(2) For a career minister, a counselor or first secretary of embassy or legation, or 

a consul. 

d. A star: For an officer of the grade, or relative grade, of commander in the Navy. 

e. A flat truck: 

(1) For an officer below the grade, or relative grade, of commander in the Navy. 

(2) For a civil official not listed above, and. for whom honors are prescribed for 

an official visit. 

1276. Display of foreign national ensign during gun salute. 

1. While firing a salute to the nation upon entering a foreign port, returning such salute fired by 

a foreign warship, or fitig a salute on the occasion of a foreign national anniversary, celebration 

or solemnity, a ship shall display the ensign of the foreign nation on the main truck. 

2. while firing a salute to a foreign dignitary or official entitledto21 guns, a ship shall display 

the national ensign of such dignitary or official at the main truck. While firing a salute to a 

foreign official entitled to less than 21 guns, or to a foreign officer, or when returning a salute 

fired by a foreign officer, the national ensign of the foreign official or officer shall be displayed 

at the fore truck. 

3. At a naval station, under the circumstances set forth in the preceding paragraphs of this 

article, the appropriate foreign ensign shall be displayed from the normal point of display of the 

personal flag or pennant of the officer in command, and the latter’s flag or pennant shall be 

displayed at some other point within the command. 

1277. Display of national ensigns of two or more nations. 

1. When the national ensigns of two or more nations are required to be displayed from the 

same masthead, the Untied States national ensign, if required, shall be displayed to starboard of 

all others. The national ensigns of other nations shall be clisplayed, starboard to port, in the 

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alphabetical order of the names of the nations in the English language; except that the ensign of a 

foreign nation within whose waters the ship is located, if displayed, shall be to starboard of other 

foreign ensigns. 

2. While a salute is being fired under the foregoing conditions, the ensign of the nation being 

honored, or whose dignitary is being honored, shall be displayed alone. 

3. In rendering honors, the national ensign of one nation s!hall not be displayed above that of 

another nation at the same masthead. 

1278. Choice of foreign flag or ensign in rendering hom~ors. In rendering honors requiring the 

display of a foreign flag or ensign: 

a. In the case of a government having both a national flag and a national ensign (man-ofwar 

flag), the national ensign shall be displayed except under the conditions set forth in this 

article. 

b. In the case of a commonwealth, dominion or similar govem.ment recognized as 

independent by the Government of the United States, which has a national flag of its own but 

which also employs the national ensign (man-of-war flag) of the empire or federation to which it 

belongs, the national flag of the commonwealth or dominion shall be displayed except when 

rendering honors to naval officers; in which latter case the national ensign (man-of-war ffag) 

shall be displayed. 

c. In the case of a government not recognized as independent by the Government of the 

United States, such as a protectorate or colony, the flag of the government exercising protective 

or colonial power shall be displayed except when otherwise directed by the Secretary of the 

Navy. 

d. In the case of a government carried on by a joint mandate or trusteeship and having no 

distinct national flag of its own, the flags of the several countries comprising the mandate shall 

be displayed when rendering honors. 

1279. Dressing and full-dressing ships. 

1. On occasions of dressing ship the largest national ensign with which the ship is fi.u-nished 

shall be displayed fi-om the flagstaff and, except as prescribed for a ship displaying a personal 

flag or command pennant, a national ensign shall be displayed from each masthead. The 

national ensigns displayed at the masthead shall be of uniform size, except when, due to a 

substantial difference in heights of masthead, a difference in the size of national ensigns is 

appropriate. 

2. On occasion of fill-dressing ship, in addition to the dressing of the mastheads, a rainbow of 

signal flags, arranged in the order prescribed in Navy Department publications, shall be 

displayed, reaching from the foot of the jack staff to the mastheads and thence to the foot of the 

flagstaff. Peculiarly roasted or mastless ships shall make a display as little modified from the 

rainbow effect as it practicable. 

3. When dressing or fill-dressing ship in honor of a foreign nation, the national ensign of that 

national shall replace the United States national ensign at the main, or at the masthead in the case 

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of a single-roasted ship; provided that when a ship is full-dressed or dressed in honor of more 

than one nation, the ensign of each such nation shall be displayed at the main, or at the masthead 

in a single-roasted ship. 

4. Should half-roasting of the national ensign be required on occasions of dressing or fidldressing 

ship, only the national ensign at the flagstaff shall be half-roasted. 

5. When full-dressing is prescribed, the senior officer present may direct that dressing be 

substituted if, in his or her opinion, the state of the weather makes such action advisable. The 

senior officer present may, also, under such circumstances:, direct that the ensigns be hauled 

down fi-om the mastheads after being hoisted. 

6. Ships not underway shall be dressed or fill-dressed from 0800 until sunset. Ships underway 

shall not be dressed or full-dressed. 

1280. Senior officer afloat pennant. If two or more ships of the Navy are together in port, the 

senior officer present afloat pennant shall be displayed from the ship in which the senior officer 

present afloat is embarked, except when his or her personal flag clearly indicates his or her 

seniority. The pennant shall be displayed fi-om the inboarcl halyard of the starboard main 

yardarm. 

SPECIAL CEREMONIES, ANNIVERSARIES AND SOLEMNITIES 

1281. Ships passing Washington’s Tomb. When a ship of the Navy is passing Washington’s 

tomb, Mount Vernon, Virginia, between sunrise and sunset, the following ceremonies shall be 

observed insofar as maybe practicable: 

a. The full guard and band shall be paraded, the bell tolled, and the national ensign halfmasted 

at the beginning of the tolling of the bell. 

b. When opposite Washington’s tomb, the guard shall present arms, persons on deck 

shall salute, facing in the direction of the tomb, and “Taps’” shall be sounded. 

c. The national ensign shall be hoisted to the truck or peak and the tolling shall cease at 

the last note of “Taps,” after which the National Anthem shall be played. 

d. Upon completion of the National Anthem, “Carry on” shall be sounded. 

1282. Ships passing USS ARIZONA Memorial. When a ship of the Navy is passing the USS 

ARIZONA Memorial, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, between sunrise and sunset, passing honors 

consisting of sounding “Attention” and rendering the hand salute by all persons in view on deck 

and not in ranks shall be executed by that ship. 

1283. National holidays. 

1. The following shall be observed as holidays on board :ships of the Navy and at naval stations 

and activities: New Year’s Day, the 1st of January Martin Luther King Day, the third Monday in 

January; President’s Day, the third Monday in Febru~, Memorial Day, the last Monday in 

May; Independence Day, the 4th of July; Labor Day, the first Monday in October; Veterans Day, 

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the 1lth of November; Thanksgiving Day, the fourth Thursday in November; Christmas Day, the 

25th of December; and such other days as may be designated by the President. 

2. Whenever any of the above-designated dates falls on %turday, the preceding day shall be 

observed as a holiday, and whenever such date falls on Sunday, the following day shall be 

observed. 

1284. Ceremonies for national holidays. 

1. On President’s Day and on Independence Day, every ship of the Navy in commission, not 

under way, shall full-dress ship. At noon each saluting ship, and each naval station equipped 

with a saluting batte~, shall fire a national salute of21 guns. 

2. On Memorial Day, each saluting ship and each naval station having a saluting battery shall 

fire at noon a salute of21 minute-guns. All ships and naval stations shall display the national 

ensign at half-mast from 0800 until the completion of the salute or until 1220 if no salute is fired 

or to’be fired. 

3. When the 4th of July occurs on Sunday, all special ceremonies shall be postponed until the 

following day. 

1285. Foreign participation in United States national anniversaries and solemnities. 

1. Prior to celebrating a United States national anniversary, or observing a national solemnity, in 

a foreign place or in the presence of foreign warships, the senior officer present of the United 

States naval service shall give due notice to the foreign port authorities, and to the senior officer 

of each nationality present, of the time and manner of conducting the celebration or solemnity, 

and shall, as appropriate, invite their participation therein. An officer shall be sent to thank the 

foreign authorities or ships which participate in such celebration or sole~ity. 

2. When foreign troops participate in parades within the territorial jurisdiction of the United 

States, they shall be assigned a position of honor ahead of United States troops, except that a 

small detachment of United States troops will immediately precede the foreign troops as a guard 

of honor. 

3. On occasions when troops of two or more foreign naticms participate, the troops of the nation 

in whose honor the parade is held will be assigned a position ahead of all others, otherwise the 

order of precedence among foreign troops will be determined, as appropriate by: 

a. The relative ranks of the commanders of the forces from which the parade 

detachments are drawn; or 

b. The relative ranks of the commanders of the parade detachments; or 

c. The alphabetical order in the English language of the names of the nations concerned. 

1286. Observance of foreign anniversaries and solemnities. 

1. In a foreign place, or when in company with a foreign warship, when a national anniversary 

or solemnity is being observed by foreign port authorities or a foreign warship, a ship of the 

Navj shall, upon official invitation, follow the example of the foreign authority or warship in 

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full-dressing or dressing ship, firing salutes, and half-roasting ensigns. Salutes shall not exceed 

21 guns unless the senior officer present deems it proper to fire a larger number in order to 

participate properly in the ceremony or to avoid giving offense. Upon all such occasions, efforts 

shall be made to accord, so far as practicable, with the foreign authorities in the time and manner 

of conducting the ceremonies. 

2. Uniform accoutrements of mourning, including mourning badges or bands, may be worn on 

the uniform when appropriate, or when directed by competent authority, by persons in the naval 

service who are stationed in, or who are officially visiting, a foreign nation during the period of 

foreign government ordains as the period of national mouming. 

DEATHS 

AND FUNERiALS 

1287. Death of a United States civil official. 

1. Upon the death of a United States civil official listed below, the ceremonies set forth in Table 

9 shall be observed. 

2. When the day after receipt of notice of death falls upon a Sunday or national holiday, gun 

salutes will be fired on the day following Sunday or a national holiday. 

3. The national ensign shall be half-roasted upon receipt of notification from any reliable source, 

including news media, of the death of one of the designated civil officials. 

1288. Death of a person in the military service. 

1. Upon the death of a person in the military service, the ceremonies set forth in table 10 shall be 

observed. 

2. At joint installations or commands the procedures prescribed by the responsible military 

commanders or the executive agent will be executed uniformly by all the Untied States military 

units present. 

3. The national ensign shall be half-roasted upon receipt clf notification from any reliable source, 

including news media, of the death of one of the designated officials. 

4. If the senior officer present deems it appropriate, such officer may direct that the ceremonies 

prescribed in this article be observed during the transfer of the body of the deceased from the 

ship or naval station, rather than during the funeral. 

5. In the event of a military fimeral of a person in the naval service on the retired list, 

ceremonies as prescribed in this article shall be rendered insofar as maybe practicable. 

6. On the occasion of conducting the funeral of a person in the naval service near posts, stations, 

or ships of other armed services of the United States, or of the Coast Guard, the commanding 

officers thereof shall be duly notified of the time and the honors to be rendered by ships of the 

Navy or by naval stations. 

J-29 

Enclosure (1)

OPNAVINST 1710.7A 

15 Jun 2001 

7. During the fi.meral of a flag officer of the Coast Guard or a general officer of the armed 

services of the United States, other than naval, and other than those listed in paragraph 1 of this 

article, at a place where there is a naval station, or where one or more ships of the Navy are 

present, the ensigns of such stations and ships shall be half-roasted during the funeral service and 

for one hour thereafter; and minute-guns, of the number prescribed for the funeral of the 

deceased by the regulations of the service of which he or she was a member, shall be fired by 

the naval station, if practicable, and by the senior saluting ~shippresent. 

1289. General provisions pertaining to funerals. 

1. If there is no chaplain or clergyman available, the commanding officer, or a designated 

representative, shall conduct the fimeral service. 

2. There shall be six pallbearers and six bodybearers. The pallbearers shall, if practicable, be the 

same grade or rating as the deceased. If a sufficient number of foreign officers of appropriate 

grade attend the funeral, they may be invited to serve as additional pallbearers. Pallbearers and 

bodybearers shall follow the procedure prescribed in the Marine Corps Drill and Ceremonies 

Manual (NAVMC 2691). 

3. The wearing of the mourning badge is discretionary for those in attendance at a fimeral and 

shall be worn by the escort for a military fi.meral as prescribed in the appropriate uniform 

regulations. 

4. Boats taking part in a funeral procession shall display tlhe national ensign at half-mast. If the 

deceased was a flag or general officer, or at the time of death a unit cornrnander, or a 

commanding officer of a ship, his or her flag or command pennant, or a commission pennant, 

shall be draped in mourning and displayed at half-mast from a staff in the bow of the boat 

carrying the body. A funeral procession of boats shall, in general, be formed in the order 

prescribed in the Marine Corps Drill and Ceremonies Manual (NAVMC 2691). 

5. The casket shall be covered with the national ensign, so placed that the union is at the head 

and over the left shoulder of the deceased. The ensign shall be removed Ilom the casket before it 

is lowered into the grave or committed to the deep. 

6. Persons in the naval service shall salute when the body has been carried past them, while the 

body is being lowered into the grave or committed to the cieep, and during the firing of volleys 

and the sounding of “Taps.” 

7. Three rifle volleys shall be fired after the body has been lowered into the grave or committed 

to the deep, following which “Taps” shall be sounded by the bugle; except that in a foreign port, 

when permission has not been obtained to land an armed escort, the volleys shall be fired over 

the body after it has been lowered into the boat alongside. 

8. During burial at sea, the ship shall be stopped, if practicable, and the ensign shall be displayed 

at half-mast from the beginning of the funeral service until the body has been committed to the 

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Enclosure (1)


15 Jun2001 

171O.7A 

deep. Further display of the ensign at half-mast maybe prescribed according to circumstances 

by the senior officer present. 

9. Funeral honors shall not be rendered between sunset and sunrise. When it is necessary to 

bury the dead at night, such funeral services as are practicable shall take place. 

1290. Funeral escorts. 

1. An escort under arms shall, when practicable, accompany the funeral cortege to the place of 

interment, and shall follow the procedure prescribed in the Marine Corps Drill and Ceremonies 

Manual (NAVMC 2691). 

2. The fhneral escort for a President, Vice President, Secretary of Defense, Secretay of the 

Navy, Under Secretary of the Navy, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Fleet Admiral, Chief of 

Naval Operations, or Commandant of the Marine Corps shall be as prescribed by the Secretary of 

the Navy, 

3. Unless otherwise prescribed by the senior officer present, the funeral escort for other persons 

in the Navy or the Marine Corps shall be as set forth in Table 11. 

1291. Display of personal flag, command pennant or commission pennant in funerals 

ashore. If the deceased was a flag or general officer, or at the time of his or her death, a unit 

commander or commanding officer of a ship, the approprii~te personal flag or command pennant, 

or commission pennant, shall be draped in mourning and carried immediately in advance of the 

body in the funeral procession to the grave. 

1292. Burial in a foreign place. Before a person in the naval service is buried in a foreign 

place, the senior officer present shall arrange with the local authorities for the interment of the 

body and shall also request permission to parade an escort under arms. The senior officer 

present shall inform the senior foreign officers present and. the appropriate local officials of the 

time and place of the fimeral, and of the funeral honors to be rendered by United States forces 

present. 

1293. Death of diplomatic, consular or foreign official. 

1. On the death in a foreign place of a diplomatic or consular representative of the United States, 

the senior officer present shall, as circumstances permit, arrange for appropriate participation in 

the funeral ceremonies by persons in the naval service. 

2. The senior officer present, upon receiving official notice of the death or funeral of a foreign 

official, or member of a foreign armed service, shall, as circumstances warrant and as 

international courtesy demands, direct visits of condolence to be made, and arrange for 

participation by persons in the naval service in the fimeral ceremonies. 

1294. Transporting body of deceased official. When a ship of the Navy is transporting the 

body of a deceased official, the honors and ceremonies prescribed for an official “visit shall, if 

directed by the senior officer present or higher authority, be rendered when the body is received 

aboard or leaves the ship. 

J-3 1 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

Table 1 

Relative Rank and Precedence of Officers of Different Services 

U.S. Navy Regulations (Article 1002) 

Navv Marine Corr)s 

Army and 

Air Force 

Coast Guard 

National Oceanic 

and Atmospheric 

Administration 

Public Health 

Service 

Admiral 

General 

Admiral 

Vice Admiral Lieutenant General Lieutenant General Vice Admiral 

Surgeon Generali 

Rear Admiral Major General Major General 

Rear Admiral Rear Admiral Deputy Surgeon 

General 

Rear Admiral 

(Lower Half) Brigadier General Brigadier General 

Rear Admiral 

(Lower Half) 

Rear Admiral 

(Lower Half) 

Assistant Surgeon 

Genera12 

Captain 

Colonel 

Colonel 

Captain Captain Medical Director3 

Commander 

Lieutenant 

Colonel 

Lieutenant Colonel Commander Senior Surgeon3 

Lieutenant 

Commander 

Major 

Major 

Lieut(:nant 

Commander 

Lieutenant 

Commander 

Captain Captain Lieutenant 

Lieutenant 

Senior Assistant 

Surgeon3 

Lieutenant Junior 

Grade 

First Lieutenant 

First Lieutenant 


Gmde 


Grade 

Assistant 

Surgeon3 

Ensign 

Seeond Lieutenant Second Lieutenant Ensign 

Ensign 

Junior Assistant 

Surgeon3 

1Surgeon General’s grade corresponds to that of Surgeon General of the Army. 

2May hold grade corresponding to Major General or Brigadier General. 

3And other officers of same grade, within titles appropriate to their duties. 

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Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

Table 2 

Passing Honors Between Ships 


Ruffles and 

Official Uniform Flourishes Music Guard Remarks 

President As prescribed by 4 Man rail, unless otherwise 

the senior officer 

directed by the senior 

present 

officer present 

Secretary of State, when As prescribed by 4 Naticmal Anthem Full Crew at quarters 

special foreign representative the senior officer 

of the President 

present 

Vice President Of the Day Hail Columbia Full Crew at quarlers 

Secretary of Defense, Of the Day National Anthem Full Crew at quarters 

Deputy Secretary of Defense, 

Secretary of the Navy, or 

Under Secretary of Defense 

An Assistant Secretary of Of the Day National Anthem Full Crew at quarters 

Defense, Under Secretav or 

an Assistant Secretary of the 

Navy 

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15 Jun2001 

171O.7A 

Table 3 

Passing Honors to Officials and Officers Embarked 


in Boats 

Ruffles and 

Official Flourishes Music Guard Remarks 

President 4 National Anthem Full “Attention” sounded, and salute by all 

persons in view on deck. If directed by 

the senior officer present, man rail 

Secretary of State, when 4 National Anthem Full “Attention” sounded, and salute by all 

special foreign representative 

persons in view on deck 

of the President 

Vice President Hail Columbia “Attention” sounded, and salute by all 


Secretary of Defense, Deputy Admiral’s March Full “Attention” sounded, and salute by all 

Secretary of Defense, 


Secretary of the Navy, or 

Under Secretary of Defense, 

an Assistant Secretary of 

Defense, Under Secretary or 

an Assistant Secretary of the 

Navy 

Other civil official entitled to “Attention” sounded, and salute by all persons 

honors on official visit 

in view on deck 

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Enclosure (1)


15 Jun2001 

171O.7A 

Table 4 

Honors for Official Visits of United States Officers 


Gun Salute 

Ruffles 

and 

Side 

Officers6 Uniform Arrival Departure Flourishes Music Guard Boysz 

General’s or 

Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff 

Full Dress 19 19 4 Admiral’s March’ Full 8 

Chief of Staff, U.S. Army3 Full Dress 19 19 4 General’s March Full 8 

Chief of Naval Operations Full Dress 19 19 4 Admiralk March Full 8 

Chief of Staff, US. Air For@ Full Dress 19 19 4 General’s March Full 8 

Commandant of the Marine Corps3 Full Dress 19 19 4 Admiral’s March Full 8 

Commandant of the Coast Guards Full Dress 19 19 4 Admiral’s March Full 8 

General of the Army3 Full Dress 19 19 4 General’s March Full 8 

Fleet Admira13 Full Dress 19 19 4 Admiral’s March Full 8 

General of the Air Force3 Full Dress 19 19 4 General’s March Full 8 

Generals4 Full h%s 17 17 4 General’s March Full 8 

Admirals4 Full Dress 17 17 4 Admiral’s March Full 8 

Naval or other military governor, Full Dress 17 4 General’s or 

commissioned as such by the President Admiral’s Marcht 

within the area of his or herjurisdidlon 

Vice Admiral or Lieutenant Generals Full DrssS 15 3 General’s or Full 8 

Admiral’s Marchi 

Rear Admiral or Major General Full Dress 13 2 General’s or Full 6 

Admiral’s Marchf 

Rear Admiral (Lower Half) or Brigadier Full Dress 11 1 General’s or Full 6 

General Admiral’s March{ 

‘ Marine Corps’ General Officers receive the Admiral’s March 

2Not appropriate on shore installations 

3Take precedence, in order, after Secretary of the Air Force (Art. 1236 Table) 

4Take precedence after Under Secretary of the Air Force (Art. 1236 Table) 

5Take precedence after Under Secretaries of Cabinet (Art. 1236 Table) 

bOn official occasions, honors maybe rendered to retired flag and general officers with their permission and at 

discretion of local commanders. Honors so rendered will be in accord with retired grade except former Chiefs of 

Naval Operations and former Commandants of the Marine Corps will receive honors prescribed for those officers. 

J-35 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun2001 

171O.7A 

Table 5 

Honors and Ceremonies 


Gun Salute ~Um.3 

and 

Official Uniform Arrival Oepartura Flourishes 

The President Full 21 21 4 

Draes 

Former Presidents Full 21 4 

Dress 

Vice President Full 19 4 

Dress 

COvemor of State Full 19 4 

Dress 

*& 

*-L-L= 

Hail Full 8 Quarters 

Columbia 

Admiral’s Full 8 

Marsh 

Flag 

Within What 

Limits What Where During 

President’s Main Visit 

Truck 

I I 1 

National Main Salute 

Truck 

1 

Vice Main Visit 

President’s Tmck 

Speaker of the House of Full 19 4 


Drass 

The Chief Justice of the United Full 19 4 

States 

Dress 

Ambassador, High Full 19 4 

Commissioner or special Dress 

diplomatic representative 

whose credentials give him or 

her authority equal to or 

greater then that of an 

Ambaswslor 

Admiral% Full 8 

March 


March 

National Full 8 

Anthem 

Nation or 

Nations to 

which 

accredited 

National Fore Salute 

Truck 

I I I 


Truck 

I 

I 

I National I Fore I Salute 

Truck 

SecretaV of State Full 19 4 

Dress 

National Full 8 

Anthem 


Tmck 

United States Representatives Full 19 4 

to the United Nations 

Dress 


March 

Associate Justices of the Full 19 4 

Supreme Court 

Dress 

%crete~ of Defense Full 19 19 4 

Dress 


March 

* 

Secretary’s Main Visit 

Truck 

Cabinet offcer other than Full 19 4 

Secretaries of State and 

Dress 

Defensez 

President pro temporeof the Full 19 4 

Senate 

Dress 

Unitti States Senetore Full 19 4 

Dress 

Governor da State of the Full 19 4 

United States 

Dress 

Members of the House of Full 19 4 


Dress 

Deputy Secreta~ of Defense Full 19 19 4 

Dress 

Secretary of the Army Full 19 19 4 

Dress 

*-Ll--- 

=-l-44- 

=-lx-l- 

E%_l_2J.J__L 


Tmck 


Truck 

Deputy Main Visit 

Secretary’s Truck 


Truck 

J-36 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

Table 5 (Continued) 

Gun Salute Ruffles Flag 

and Side Within What 

Official Uniform Arrival Departure Flourishes Music Gusrd Boys 4 Craw 4 Limits What Where During 

Secretay of the Navy Full 19 19 4 Honor’s Full 8 Secretay’s Main Visit 

Dress March3 Truck 

Secretary of the Air Force Full 19 19 4 Honofs Full 8 National Fore Salute 


Under Secretary of Defense Full 19 19 4 Honor’s Full 8 National Main Visit 


Assistant Secretaries of Full 17 17 4 Honor’s Full 8 Assistant Main 

Defense and General Counsel Dress March3 Secreterf’s Truck 

of the Department of Defense 

Visit 

Under Secretary of the Army Full 17 17 4 Hono


15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

Table 5 (Continued) 

Flag 

Gun Salute 

Ruffles 

and Side Wdhin What 

Official Uniform Arrival Depatture Flouriahee Music Guard Boys a crew ~ Limite What Where During 

Mayor of an incorporated city 

Second or Thhd Secretary of 

Embassy or Legation 

Oi the 

Day 

Of the 

Day 

Vice Consul when only Of the 5 

representative of the United 

Day 

States and not in charge of a 

Consulate General or 

Consulate 


Truck 


Truck 

National Fora Salute 

Truck 

Consular Agent when only 

representative of the United 

States 

Of the 

Day 

‘ See Article regarding musical honors to President 

2In the order of precedence as follows: 

Secretary of State 

Secretary of Treasury 


Attorney General 

Secretary of the Interior 

Secretary of Agriculture 

Secretary of Commerce 

Secretary of Labor 

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development 

Secretary of Transportation 

Secretary of Health and Human Services 

Secretary of Education 

332-bar melody in the trio of “Stars and Stripes Forever” 

4Not appropriate on shore installations 

5Not to be construed as a precedence list 

J-38 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

Honors and Ceremonies/Administrative Notes: 

1. Table 5 of U.S. Navy Regulations lists officials who rate specific honors and ceremonies 

associated with formal visits. Only officials listed in Table 5 rate honors and ceremonies. For 

those officials listed in Table 5 conducting an informal visit aboard ship, the administrative 

announcements listed in Chapter 12 of NTP 13 are appropriate. 

2. There are occasions when it is appropriate to announce the arrival of other high-ranking 

officials – flag rank equivalents – not listed in Table 5, abcmrd Navy ships. Typically these are 

high-ranking officials within the Department of Defense, the Secretary of the Navy’s staff or 

other high-ranking officials at the senior executive service (SES) level. Examples include 

Deputy Assistant Secretaries of Defense (3 Star equivalents) and Deputy Assistant Secretaries of 

the Navy (2 Star equivalents). If deemed appropriate by the commanding officer or senior 

officer present, an administrative announcement of the ofli.cial’s arrival consisting of the 

appropriate number of bells followed by hislher plain language official position may be used. 

The following examples are provided: 

For a Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense: 

8 bells.. .Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, arriving! 

For a Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy: 

6 bells.. .Deputy Assistant Secretary of the “Navy, arriving! 

These officials do not rate any honors such as gun salutes, side boys, etc. 

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Enclosure (1)


15 Jun2001 

171O.7A 

Table 6 

Honors for Official Visits of Foreign Officials and Officers 


Ruffles 

Official or and Side FlarI 

Officer Uniform Arrival Departure Flourishes Music Guard Boys~ Crewl What Where During 

President or Full Dress 21 21 4 Foreign Full 8 Man Foreign Main Visit 

Sovereign national Rail ensign Truck 

anthem 

Member of Full Dress 21 21 4 Foreign Full 8 Man Foreign Main Salute 

reigning royal national Rail ensign Truck 

family 

anthem 

Prime Minister Full Dress 19 4 Admiral’s Full 8 Foreign Fore Salute 

or other cabinet March ensign Truck 

ofticer 

Officers of armed forces, diplomatic or consular representative in country to which accredited, or 

other distinguished official. 

Civil officials: Honors as for official of the United States of comparable position. 

Officers of Armed Forces: Honors as for officers of the United States of the same grade, 

except that equivalent honors shall be rendered to foreign officers who occupy a position 

comparable to member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. 

Honors as prescribed by the senior officer present: Such honors normally shall be those 

accorded the foreign official when visiting officially a ship of his or her own nation, but a gun 

salute, if prescribed, shall not exceed 19 guns. 

[Not appropriate 

on shore installations 

J-40 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

Table 7 

Precedence of Diplomatic and Consular Representatives 


Official 

Takes Precedence 

Chief of a United States diplomatic mission, Over any officer of the armed services of the United 

including a Charge d’Affairesl States; and over any United States civil official, except 

the Secretary of State, whose official salute is less than 

21 guns 

Career Minister With, but before, rear admiral (lower half) or brigadier 

general 

Counselor With, but after, rear admiral (lower half) or brigadier 

general 

First Secretary, when no Counselor is assigned With, but after, rear admiral (lower half) or brigadier 

general 

Consul General, or Consul or Vice Consul or With, but after, rear admiral (lower half) or brigadier 

Deputy Consul General when in charge of a general 

Consulate General 

First Secretary, when a Counselor is assigned With, but afler, captain in the Navy 

Consul, or Vice Consul when in charge of a With, but after, captain in the Navy 

Consulate 

Second Secretary With, but after, captain in the Navy 

Vice Consul With, but after, lieutenant in the Navy 

Third Secretary With, but after, lieutenant in the Navy 

Consular Agent With, but iafter, lieutenant in the Navy 

1An acting chief of a United States diplomatic mission when holding the title of Charge d’Affaires takes precedence 

as specified in this table but shall be accorded the honors specified for a Charge d’Affaires on the occasion of an 

official visit. 

J-41 

Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

Table 8 

Display of National Ensign and Union Jack 


Personal Flag, Command 

National Ensign Pennant, or Commission 

Ships or Craft Displayed Union Jack Displayed Pennant Displayed 

Active: 

In commission Yes Yes Yes 

In service Yes Yes 

N02 

Inactive: 

In commission, in reserve Yes Yes Yes 

In service, in reserve Yes Yes No 

Out of commission, in reserve Not No No 

Out of service, in reserve Nol No No 

Special Status: 

In commission, special Yes Yes Yes 

In service, special Yes Yes No 

Out of commission, special Nol No No 

NOl Out of service, special No No 

1National ensign shall be displayed if necessary to indicate the national character of the ship or craft. 

2Applies to display of commission pennant only. A flag officer or unit commander embarked may display a 

personal flag or command pennant. 

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Enclosure (1)


15 Jun 2001 

171O.7A 

Table 9 

Death of a United States Civil Official 


Official 

National Ensign Half.Masted Gun Salute 

By Period of Display Fired by How and when used 

President, former All ships and stations of For 30 days from the (a) All saluting ships, One gun every half hour 

President, or a the Department of the date of death not under way, in ports from 0800 until sunset 

President-elect Navy under United States on day after receipt of 

jurisdiction, and each notice of death 

naval station having a 

saluting battery 

(b) Senior saluting 21 minute-guns fired at 

ship present in each noon on day of funeral 

pod under United 

States jurisdiction, and 

each naval station 

having a saluting 

battery 

Vice President, Chief All ships and stations of For 10 days from the (a) All saluting ships, Minute-guns equal in 

Justice or retired the Department of the date of death not under way, in ports number to official salute 

Chief Justice of the Navy under United States of deceased, fired at 

United States, or the jurisdiction, and each noon on day after 

Speaker of the House naval station having a receipt of notice of 

of Representatives saluting battery death 

(b) Senior saluting 

ship present, and each Minute-guns equal in 

naval station having a number to official salute 

saluting battery, in port of deceased, fired at 

where funeral occurs noon on day of funeral 

An Associate Justice All ships and stations of From the day of death (a) All saluting ships, Minute-guns equal in 

of the Supreme the Department of the until interment not under way, in ports number to official salute 

Court, a member of Navy under United States of deceased, fired at 

the Cabinet, a former jurisdiction, and each noon on day after 

Vice President, the naval station having a receipt of notice of 

President pro- saluting battery death 

tempore of the 

Senate, the Minority (b) Senior saluting Minute-guns equal in 

-eader of the Senate, ship present, and each number to ofticial salute 

:he Majority Leader of naval station having a of deceased, fired at 

:he House of saluting battery, in port noon on day of funeral 

representatives, the where the funeral 

Secretary of the 

occurs 

4rmy, the Secretary 

jf the Navy, or the 

Secretary of the Air 

‘orce 

J-43 

Enclosure (1)

OPNAVINST 1710.7A - Historic Naval Ships Association

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