A shorthand term for a flag officer, such as an admiral, or the specific vessel where that officer is embarked. In naval operations, a fleet commander flies a personal flag to show where command is located. When sailors say the flag is moving, they mean the admiral is transferring their command center to another ship.
Heard on the job
Clean up the deck, word is the flag is coming aboard at 0800 for an inspection.
Also heard as
- flag officer
- flagship