Posted by: Bill Betterton - December 19, 2003 (23:04) I served
on LITTLE ROCK Sep 1975 to Aug 1976. 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.
"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".
Mike Poston
Webmaster: Not sure if the above 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
