In 1998 the USS BOSTON SSN-703 deployed on a UNITAS assignment that would take
her around South America. We acquired a small number of high quality 3x5 American flags (made in USA) and brought them
to the boat. We also made up Certificates of Authenticity to accompany each flag.
One of the purposes of UNITAS is to "show the flag"---meaning, in stark contrast with "normal" deployments, the BOSTON would be visiting numerous sea ports in South America, and be highly visible. On most of those port visits, when the sub was at anchor, at 0800 the crew would assemble topside, "Attention to Colors" piped, and one of our flags would be broken out and ceremoniously raised on the main halyard. That flag would then be struck below and stored, along with the Certificate of Authenticity stating the latitude and longitude, date and time of raising. The certificates are signed by the Commanding Officer, USS BOSTON, CDR David Olivier USN.
On return from UNITAS the flags were returned to us. These are a limited resource. It could be a long time before there is another USS BOSTON. Our organization is foremost among other similar organizations in the camaraderie we feel among Shipmates of all BOSTONs. In fact, this is a matter of extreme pride-and strength. Knowing that these flags flew over the deck of a USS BOSTON is of paramount, singular importance. They are the only flags available that flew over a BOSTON. They are available to USS BOSTON Shipmates only. The price is commensurate with limited availability, and yet set to make them affordable.
To obtain one of these remarkable flags, send $100 and your contact information to our Secretary. You will be contacted, and you may choose a flag by location.
One of the purposes of UNITAS is to "show the flag"---meaning, in stark contrast with "normal" deployments, the BOSTON would be visiting numerous sea ports in South America, and be highly visible. On most of those port visits, when the sub was at anchor, at 0800 the crew would assemble topside, "Attention to Colors" piped, and one of our flags would be broken out and ceremoniously raised on the main halyard. That flag would then be struck below and stored, along with the Certificate of Authenticity stating the latitude and longitude, date and time of raising. The certificates are signed by the Commanding Officer, USS BOSTON, CDR David Olivier USN.
On return from UNITAS the flags were returned to us. These are a limited resource. It could be a long time before there is another USS BOSTON. Our organization is foremost among other similar organizations in the camaraderie we feel among Shipmates of all BOSTONs. In fact, this is a matter of extreme pride-and strength. Knowing that these flags flew over the deck of a USS BOSTON is of paramount, singular importance. They are the only flags available that flew over a BOSTON. They are available to USS BOSTON Shipmates only. The price is commensurate with limited availability, and yet set to make them affordable.
To obtain one of these remarkable flags, send $100 and your contact information to our Secretary. You will be contacted, and you may choose a flag by location.
