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'Don't Tread On Me' flags on all Navy ships
Stars and Stripes ^ | August 30, 2002 | Rick Chernitzer

Posted on 08/30/2002 7:45:11 AM PDT by Kennesaw

'Don't Tread On Me' flags set sail on all Navy ships

By Rick Chernitzer, Stars and Stripes Pacific edition, Friday, August 30, 2002

YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan — It used to be something the USS Kitty Hawk could call its own.

Traditionally, only the Navy’s oldest actively commissioned ship — currently the Kitty Hawk, now based here — has the honor of flying the “First Navy Jack” flag, a rattlesnake moving across a field of 13 red stripes above the warning “Don’t Tread On Me.”

But Navy Secretary Gordon England’s recent directive authorized all Navy ships to fly it in place of the Union Jack at the front of each vessel, to show the Navy’s solidarity with the war on terrorism.

“The temporary substitution of this Jack represents an historic reminder of the nation’s and Navy’s origin and will to persevere and triumph,” his letter stated.

The flag’s origins are believed to be based on a political cartoon Benjamin Franklin drew to encourage feuding colonies to unite against England.

It was based on a then-popular myth that a rattlesnake, chopped apart, could return to life if the pieces were rejoined. The cartoon showed a rattlesnake cut into sections, each to represent a colony; the caption warned, “Join or die.”

The phrase “Don’t Tread On Me” is credited to a band of newly enlisted Marines in 1775.

These elements, with the 13 red stripes for the colonies, were combined to comprise the first Navy flag. It made its battle debut in Fall 1775, as the Continental Navy prepared to engage the British fleet in the Delaware River.

The Kitty Hawk received its jack from the USS Independence in 1998.

The secretary’s letter states that each ship is to receive four flags. But for now, they’re in such short supply that ships from around the world are calling the Kitty Hawk seeking spares, said Petty Officer 2nd Class Charles Mishoe, a Kitty Hawk signalman.

“We didn’t have any to give them, but we also gave them information on how to get them,” he said. “We didn’t just leave them hanging.”

The Kitty Hawk is allowed to buy the flags from outside sources.

Lt. j.g. Dave Fleming, USS Cushing’s information systems officer, said his ship expects to receive its flags soon.

The jack’s motto, “Don’t Tread On Me,” makes the Navy’s role in the conflict “self-explanatory,” he said. “I think it’s great … so that no one else decides to take action against the United States.”

Several junior enlisted sailors, whose daily duties include raising the First Navy Jack on the ship during morning colors, predicted seeing a waterfront filled with the historic flag will strengthen their resolve.

“It’s kind of cool that it will be on every ship,” said Airman Recruit Kevin Anderson. “It says ‘Don’t Tread On Me,’ and that’s more than a statement.”

But Navy Airman Jane Cruz from the Kitty Hawk said while making the flag a common symbol is a great honor to those who are serving in the Navy, “Can we get another flag to show we’re the oldest ship?”


TOPICS: Constitution/Conservatism; Extended News; Foreign Affairs; Free Republic; Front Page News; Government; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: donttreadonme; flag; navy
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To: Pyro7480; Cultural Jihad
Thanks for the info!
21 posted on 08/30/2002 8:22:45 AM PDT by Between the Lines
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To: wimpycat
You ARE the man.

Naaah... search engines are just very helpful. :)

22 posted on 08/30/2002 8:35:36 AM PDT by Constitution Day
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To: Kennesaw
I got to serve on a vessel under the "Don't Tread on Me" flag during 1983-86 while serving onboard the U.S.S. Prarie (AD-15) homeported in Long Beach, Calif. It was always pretty cool when we pulled into other ports and were recognized for flying that flag. Of course, going "Over the Line" took on new meanings too, but that is for another thread....
23 posted on 08/30/2002 8:36:27 AM PDT by jettester
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To: Kennesaw
It's nice to see this flag used so widely. The pity is that so few Americans have the slightest clue about it.

I've been unable to find an image online, but the Navy has a nice new recruiting poster to accompany the new recruiting ad that is running on television. It's a photo of a Carrier Battle Group at sea, captioned: "Life, Liberty... and the Pursuit of all who threaten it."

Heckuva lot better than "An Army of One".

24 posted on 08/30/2002 8:37:30 AM PDT by Charles Martel
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To: BallandPowder
By the way,I was incorrect as to the loading sequence in Black-Powder firearms.I take this opportunity to apologize.I only shoot cartridges so you will have to forgive me.
25 posted on 08/30/2002 9:07:18 AM PDT by bandleader
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To: A Navy Vet
Bump!

You may have input to this! Safe Labor Day weekend, you squid you !!! Blackbird.
26 posted on 08/30/2002 9:09:04 AM PDT by BlackbirdSST
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To: Kennesaw


27 posted on 08/30/2002 9:16:27 AM PDT by Psycho_Bunny
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To: bandleader
Powder..Patch..Ball FIRE!

By the way,I was incorrect as to the loading sequence in Black-Powder firearms.I take this opportunity to apologize.I only shoot cartridges so you will have to forgive me.

No apology required. I'm always happy to educate (GRIN!)

28 posted on 08/30/2002 9:23:18 AM PDT by BallandPowder
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To: BallandPowder
Bump for later
29 posted on 08/30/2002 9:25:47 AM PDT by Mad_Tom_Rackham
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To: Kennesaw
My county courthouse still flys this flag:


30 posted on 08/30/2002 9:40:33 AM PDT by CapandBall
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To: CapandBall

Shameless promo.

31 posted on 08/30/2002 9:45:58 AM PDT by Liberty Teeth
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To: camle
True the USS Constitution is the oldest commisioned ship in the US Navy, but its not on active duty per se. Unless sitting at dock as a museum is considered active duty for the navy these days.
32 posted on 08/30/2002 9:52:54 AM PDT by AFreeBird
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To: Liberty Teeth
Nice Logo!

Saw your homepage... I broke the pb addiction (got too old) in 1993 after our team was ranked first in 1993 in the NPPL 5-man.

Also got 2nd in '93 at the national indoor behind PAs "All Americans". 3rd in '92.

I cant believe these new guns. My Automag use to be state of the art. Last year a buddy showed me a new gun called (I think) an "Angel" last year - unbelieveable!

33 posted on 08/30/2002 10:04:57 AM PDT by CapandBall
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To: Kennesaw
The Office of Counter-Intelligence has started flying the Gadsen flag and quoting TJ on their posters. Very weird.


34 posted on 08/30/2002 10:35:48 AM PDT by AdamSelene235
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To: Kennesaw; pbear8; CounterCounterCulture; Cool Guy; TheAngryClam; nastypumps
Some FReepers in the San FRancisco Bay Area have been seen carrying....; )

FReep on! : )

35 posted on 08/30/2002 10:53:02 AM PDT by American Preservative
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To: AFreeBird
actually Connie IS considered to be on active duty.

and I freely admit that this is merely a technicality. Connie ain't gonna go out and sink enemy subs, but technically she IS in active service, she has crew, officers, etc. and is a beautiful ship.
36 posted on 08/30/2002 11:31:07 AM PDT by camle
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To: BlackbirdSST
Works for me since I have those very words tattooed on a banner carried by an eagle in front of our National Ensign. Have a good weekend yourself.
37 posted on 08/30/2002 12:52:24 PM PDT by A Navy Vet
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To: camle
From the USS Constitution site:

1879-1881: The CONSTITUTION sails the Atlantic, to various points between the West Indies and Nova Scotia, as a training ship for naval apprentices. This is her final role as an active unit of the Navy.

38 posted on 08/30/2002 1:00:39 PM PDT by Tickle Me Pank
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To: Psycho_Bunny
I don't think it works with the rabbit. ;-)
39 posted on 08/30/2002 1:02:39 PM PDT by Tribune7
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To: Tribune7
Well, we may not be deadly, per se, but bunnies are sneaky and spiteful.

Piss one off and you'll never be able to confidently eat Raisin Bran again.

>:)

40 posted on 08/30/2002 1:17:14 PM PDT by Psycho_Bunny
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