What is russian naval flags?

The Russian naval flag, also known as the St. Andrew's flag, is a white field with a blue saltire (diagonal cross) extending from corner to corner. This design has been in use since the reign of Peter the Great in the 18th century.

The current design features a ratio of 2:3, meaning that the flag is two units wide for every three units in length. The blue saltire is offset towards the hoist (left-hand side) of the flag, with its arms extending to the corners of the white field.

In addition to the national naval ensign, there are also specialized flags used by various branches of the Russian Navy. These include:

  • The admiralty (command) flag, which features a gold-bordered version of the St. Andrew's cross with a silver anchor in the center. This flag is flown by the commander of a naval fleet or flotilla.

  • The rank flags, which indicate the rank of the officer in command of a vessel. These range from a single star for junior officers up to a flag with multiple stars and other symbols for the chief admiral of the fleet.

  • The signal flags, which are used to convey messages between ships. Each flag represents a different letter or number, allowing complex messages to be spelled out.

Overall, the Russian naval flags are an important symbol of the country's maritime power and heritage. They are flown with pride by sailors and commanders alike, and serve as a reminder of Russia's long history as a naval superpower.