Naval History and Heritage Command

Navy Ships Return to Flying "Union Jack"

Directed in NAVADMIN 039/19 on 21 February 2019, all U.S. Navy ships shall display the union jack beginning at morning colors on Tuesday, 4 June 2019.

Since 31 May 2002, directed by SECNAV Instruction 10520.6, the rattlesnake jack has been used in place of the union jack for the duration of the Global War on Terrorism. The union jack will be reintroduced on Navy ships (with the exception of the oldest commissioned warship in the operational fleet) in coordination with the 77th anniversary of the Battle of Midway. 

For more information on the history of the Navy jack, visit The U.S. Navy Jack webpage.  

Commemoration Program Support 

Commemoration Script
Commemoration Program Templates
Frequently Asked Questions
 

Battle of Midway Graphics

Pop-Up Display Graphics and Infographic

Speeches

Admiral John Richardson, CNO, Remarks, San Diego―June 5, 2017
Rear Admiral Samuel Cox, U.S. Navy (Ret.), Director, NHHC, Midway Island―June 5, 2017
Admiral Jonathan Greenert, CNO, Remarks, Washington, D.C.―June 4, 2012
Admiral Gary Roughead, CNO, Remarks, Washington, D.C.―June 3, 2011
Navy Office of Community Outreach, Speakers Resource Library

Battle of Midway 77th Anniversary Commemoration Campaign Plan

Mission

Celebrate the service and commemorate the sacrifice of both Battle of Midway and D-Day veterans by increasing the Navy’s and the American public’s understanding of Navy’s maritime dominance then and now. 

Publics/Audiences

Internal: Sailors and Veterans, External: the American public

Objectives

1. (Internal) Create no fewer than 30 internally-focused events, with at least one per fleet concentration area, in which Navy representatives reinforce battle mindedness with Sailors by paralleling the urgency and readiness exhibited at the Battle of Midway and on D-Day with naval operations today from June 1-7.

2. (External) Reach no fewer than one million people socially across Navy platforms using key messages to connect the events from WWII to today’s readiness and maritime dominance from June 1-7.  

Execution

Tone: Respectfully Celebratory

Background: With the 75^th anniversary of D-Day occurring during the 77^th anniversary of the three-day Battle of Midway, Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) is requesting commands combine their events and connect the parallels of the two victories. While operationally different, both were decisive combat operations that served as turning points to winning WWII. Navy’s role in D-Day is largely unknown and we can use the momentum the fleet has created around the Battle of Midway to connect the impact of both events and increase the understanding of Navy’s role at D-Day.

Navy communicators and leadership can meet the objectives above by using the resources in the toolkit and creating parallels for today’s great power competition and the increased need for readiness and partnerships to establish Navy’s maritime dominance.

Theme: From Midway to D-Day, Navy’s maritime dominance and readiness in WWII was critical to winning the war.

Key Messages:  

• Midway and D-Day marked turning points in WWII and are testaments to the U.S. Navy’s global maritime dominance.

• Success at Midway put the Allies on course to victory in the Pacific; The amphibious landings on D-Day resulted in an Allied foothold on the continent and began the march to victory in Europe.

• Both victories serve as powerful reminders today of the importance of readiness and multi-dimensional, distributed capability.

  • Forward-deployed U.S. naval surface, submarine, and aviation forces stand ready today to meet aggression from adversaries and project power as needed.

  • Today’s ready and capable amphibious forces ensure the fight can be taken to the enemy ashore, just as they did in WWII.

  • Specialized services clearing beaches, prepping for landings, and building sustainable infrastructure, make it possible for today’s ground forces to land, move, and march on targets ashore.

• Learning the lessons of yesterday, America’s Navy remains a flexible and agile force ready to operate at and under the sea, in the air, and ashore today.

• As seen during World War II, no nation can confront serious threats to freedom alone. U.S. unified commands remain engaged with partners and allies around the world to preserve peace and prevent conflict.

  • Most importantly, at the heart of every military victory in naval history is the toughness, initiative, accountability, and integrity of American Sailors. Inspired by these attributes in “The Greatest Generation,” today’s Sailors carry on a two-century tradition of warfighting excellence, adaptation, and resilience.