ARLINGTON, Va. — The U.S. Navy has begun to develop a policy prohibiting the display of the Confederate battle flag aboard Navy bases, ships, aircraft and submarines, a Navy official said.
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday’s order will be “meant to ensure unit cohesion, preserve good order and discipline and uphold the Navy’s core values of honor, courage and commitment,” Cmdr. Nate Christensen, spokesman for Gilday, said on June 9.
The U.S. Marine Corps already has issued such a policy. Commandant Gen. David Berger on June 5 delivered a message to the Corps banning display of the Confederate flag in public spaces and work areas.
The Marine Corps policy exempts some displays, such as works of art and educational or historical displays where the flag is not the focus. State flags that include the battle flag inset, such as that of Mississippi, also are exempt, as are state-issued license plates and grave sites of Confederate soldiers.
The Department of the Army reportedly is considering changing the names of 10 installations that bear then names of Confederate officers.
