GREECE CURRENT NAVAL ENSIGNS & FLAGS

HELLENIC REPUBLIC

CURRENT NAVAL ENSIGNS & FLAGS

From 1822 to 1973, when the monarchy was abolished by a military junta, Greece generally had two national flags: the plain cross flag and the cross-and-stripes flag. Between 1975 and 1978 the plain cross flag was the Greek national flag. Since 1978, however, the cross-and-stripes flag has been the sole national flag and ensign. Blue and white are the Greek national colors, the cross is a symbol of Orthodox Christianity, and the nine stripes of the cross-and-stripes flag are said to correspond to the nine syllables of the war cry in the struggle for independence from Turkey: Freedom or Death.

The current Greek naval ensign is identical to the national flag, while the naval jack is a variant of the old plain cross flag. The commissioning pennant is blue with a white cross at the hoist. The Navy's ceremonial color is a yellow-fringed version of the ensign. The flag of the President of Greece bears the national coat of arms within a wreath of golden laurel leaves. The flags of the Prime Minister and Minister of Defense are similar to the jack but with diagonal blue stripes in the hoist quarters. The central stripe of the Chief of Defense Staff's flag is either flag blue, red or sky blue, depending on the branch of service of the incumbent. Admirals' rank flags are based on the jack, with the addition of stars to denote exact rank. The commodore's broad pennant is now obsolete, since the rank itself has been abolished. The pennants for captains commanding divisions and senior officers are similar to those used under the monarchy.

Flag Proportions: The Greek national flag and ensign are made in 2:3 proportions. The jack, appointment flags, admirals' rank flags, the division commander's pennant and the senior officer's pennant are made in 1:1 proportions.

Color Shades: Traditionally, a shade of light blue (somewhat darker than sky blue) has been employed for Greek national flags and their derivatives. The 1978 flag law does not specify an exact color shade, though prototype flags are maintained by government ministries to serve as patterns for flag manufacturers.

Image Added April 2023

Flag of the Navy General Staff