Signal Codes |
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Even in these days of high tech radio and satellite communications, the U.S. Navy still employs the international alphabet flags, numeral pennants, numeral flags, and special flags and pennants for visual signaling. These signal flags are used primarily to communicate while maintaining a degree of radio silence. Navy Signalmen transmit messages by hoisting a flag or a series of flags on a halyard. Signals unique to the Navy are used when communicating with other U.S. Navy or allied forces. When communicating with all other vessels, the International Code of Signals is used. The code/answer pennant precedes all signals in international code.