homebound

Additional USS Little Rock
and U.S. Navy
Facts & History

From: Bill Betterton HT3 - R Division: "I served on LITTLE ROCK Sep 75 - Aug 76. Found the following info at:
http://www.tpub.com/content/aviation/14243/css/14243_210.htm

HOMEWARD BOUND PENNANT The homeward bound pennant is flown by ships returning from extended overseas tours. The pennant is authorized for display by a ship that has been on duty outside the limits of the United States continuously for at least 9 months. It is hoisted on getting under way for the United States and may be flown until sunset on the day of arrival in a port of destination. The pennant is similar to the commission pennant, but instead of the usual seven stars, there is one star for the first 9 months of overseas duty and one star for each additional 6 months. Total length of the pennant customarily is 1 foot for each officer and enlisted crew member who served overseas for a period in excess of 9 months. When the number of personnel produces an unwieldy pennant, the length of the pennant is restricted to the length of the ship. Upon arrival in a port of the United States, the blue portion containing the stars is presented to the commanding officer. The remainder of the pennant is divided equally among the officers and enlisted crew.

Ed. Note; Another good source for Flag data is: http://mysite.verizon.net/vzeohzt4/Seaflags/customs/customs.html#holidays

Comments:

From: Mike Poston - FTM2: "I served on the 'Rock' from Jan 1969 - Jul 1973, FM Div., and have a piece of the 'Homeward-Bound' pennant flown in 1970. If I'm not mistaken, that pennant was one of the longest in Naval history".

Received from CWO Jim Brown, Ship's Bos'n. 1970 - 1972: "I was on the Rock in '70 when we sailed from Gaeta to Newport with the homeward bound pennant flying all the way home."

Ed. Note: I'm not sure if the above graphic is what the homeward bound pennant looked like. If anyone has a picture of the actual pennant being flown or a picture of another, we would like to have it here. We would like to have all your stories and add your name to a list of Sailors who have sailed under the homeward bound pennant. Send us your name and date you sailed and we will add it to the list below.

Sailor's Who Sailed With A Homeward Bound Pennant On The Rock

Bill Betterton 1970 from Gaeta

CWO Jim Brown 1970 from Gaeta

Gary Mickle 1970 from Gaeta

Mike Poston 1969-1973

John Streak 1970 from Gaeta

Add your name to this list. Contact Woody at: littlerocksol@verizon.net

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