Obama's bow to the Saudi King

[Kevlar281]

Originally Posted by AlphaSigOU

Except between naval ships of two countries passing each other; the ensign is dipped as they pass, but naval protocol requires the 'dip' to be returned.

The keyword there is 'returned.' Without actually looking it up I believe the Naval regulation allows US vessels to acknowledge another vessels ensign being dipped. It's just a way of communicating that they've been recognized. In short they dip to us, we don't dip to them.

[nate2512]

Originally Posted by Kevlar281

The keyword there is 'returned.' Without actually looking it up I believe the Naval regulation allows US vessels to acknowledge another vessels ensign being dipped. It's just a way of communicating that they've been recognized. In short they dip to us, we don't dip to them.

Right, I would think it would be similar to a subordinate saluting a superior. Subordinate salutes, superior acknowledges the salute by returning the same.

[dekeguy]

Originally Posted by nate2512

Right, I would think it would be similar to a subordinate saluting a superior. Subordinate salutes, superior acknowledges the salute by returning the same.

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Sort of off subject, but I always pictured the salute not so much as a subordinate to superior thing but rather as a greeting among soldiers. The junior salutes first as a matter of courtesy and custom but I have often initiated the salute to junior troops if I see them first. The very senior officers for whom I have worked suggested that we view it as a private greeting among "the Brotherhood of the Sword" and I have often seen General Officers and Colonels initiating salutes as a greeting, not as a demonstration of superiority.