navy ods
Navy Officer Development School (ODS) final exam review: the oath of office, the exemplary conduct statute, Navy Regulations on command, the senior officer present, precedence and succession, honors and ceremonies, shipboard organization and watch standing (SORM), naval customs and traditions, and ethics rules on gifts and government property. Answers follow 5 U.S.C. 3331 and 10 U.S.C. 8167 (U.S. Code 2024 ed.), U.S. Navy Regulations 1990, OPNAVINST 3120.32D with Change 1 (2017), Naval History and Heritage Command pages, and 5 CFR Part 2635 (eCFR, Sep 2026). Where older courses use superseded citations, both are given.
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01Under 5 U.S.C. 3331, which person elected or appointed to federal office is exempt from taking the statutory oath of office?
The President. Section 3331 requires the oath of every individual elected or appointed to an office of honor or profit in the civil service or uniformed services, except the President.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“An individual, except the President, elected or appointed to an office of honor or profit in the civil service or uniformed services, shall take the following oath”
— 5 U.S.C. 3331 (oath of office), U.S. Code 2024 ed. ↗02In the oath of office an officer takes at commissioning, against whom does the officer swear to support and defend the Constitution?
Against all enemies, foreign and domestic. The oath in 5 U.S.C. 3331 reads "I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic."
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic”
— 5 U.S.C. 3331 (oath of office), U.S. Code 2024 ed. ↗03According to the officer's oath of office, in what manner does the new officer take the obligation?
Freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion. Those are the words of the statutory oath in 5 U.S.C. 3331.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion”
— 5 U.S.C. 3331 (oath of office), U.S. Code 2024 ed. ↗04What does the closing promise of the oath of office commit the officer to do?
To well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office he or she is about to enter. The oath then ends "So help me God."
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter”
— 5 U.S.C. 3331 (oath of office), U.S. Code 2024 ed. ↗05The exemplary conduct statute requires commanding officers and others in authority in the naval service to show in themselves a good example of which four qualities?
Virtue, honor, patriotism, and subordination. This is the first requirement of 10 U.S.C. 8167.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“All commanding officers and others in authority in the naval service are required to show in themselves a good example of virtue, honor, patriotism, and subordination”
— 10 U.S.C. 8167 (exemplary conduct), U.S. Code 2024 ed. ↗06Besides setting a good example, what does the exemplary conduct statute require those in authority to be vigilant in inspecting?
The conduct of all persons placed under their command. 10 U.S.C. 8167 pairs this with the duty to set a good example.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“to be vigilant in inspecting the conduct of all persons who are placed under their command”
— 10 U.S.C. 8167 (exemplary conduct), U.S. Code 2024 ed. ↗07A division officer learns that Sailors in the division are engaged in dissolute practices. What does the exemplary conduct statute require the officer to do?
Guard against and suppress those practices, and correct those guilty of them according to Navy law and regulations. 10 U.S.C. 8167 places this duty on everyone in authority in the naval service.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“to guard against and suppress all dissolute and immoral practices, and to correct, according to the laws and regulations of the Navy, all persons who are guilty of them”
— 10 U.S.C. 8167 (exemplary conduct), U.S. Code 2024 ed. ↗08Which of the following does the exemplary conduct statute require officers to promote and safeguard for the people under their command: (A) their promotion opportunities, (B) their morale, physical well-being and general welfare, (C) their off-duty earnings, or (D) their political views?
Their morale, physical well-being and general welfare (option B). 10 U.S.C. 8167 requires all necessary and proper measures, under naval law, regulations and customs, to promote and safeguard them.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“to take all necessary and proper measures, under the laws, regulations, and customs of the naval service, to promote and safeguard the morale, the physical well-being, and the general welfare of the officers and enlisted persons under their command or charge.”
— 10 U.S.C. 8167 (exemplary conduct), U.S. Code 2024 ed. ↗09An older ODS study guide cites the exemplary conduct requirement as 10 U.S.C. 5947. Where is that requirement found in the U.S. Code today?
10 U.S.C. 8167. Older course material may still say section 5947; Public Law 115-232 (2018) renumbered it as section 8167, which carries the requirement of virtue, honor, patriotism and subordination.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“All commanding officers and others in authority in the naval service are required to show in themselves a good example of virtue, honor, patriotism, and subordination”
— 10 U.S.C. 8167 (exemplary conduct), U.S. Code 2024 ed. ↗10You are driving on base when morning colors begins within sight of your car. What does Navy Regulations require of the vehicle and its passengers?
The vehicle stops and the people in it stay seated at attention. Navy Regulations article 1206 says vehicles within sight or hearing of colors shall be stopped.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Persons riding in such vehicles shall remain seated at attention”
— U.S. Navy Regulations 1990, ch. 12, art. 1206, p. 6 ↗11At evening colors, when is the ensign started down from the peak or truck?
At the beginning of the music. Navy Regulations article 1206 has the ensign started from the peak or truck as the music begins.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“At evening colors, the ensign shall be started from the peak or truck at the beginning of the music”
— U.S. Navy Regulations 1990, ch. 12, art. 1206, p. 6 ↗12An officer returns aboard the ship to which he or she is attached and salutes the national ensign. What must the officer do next?
Report his or her return. Navy Regulations article 1207 requires this report after the salute to the ensign.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“After rendering the appropriate salute to the national ensign, an officer coming onboard a ship to which he or she is attached shall report his or her return”
— U.S. Navy Regulations 1990, ch. 12, art. 1207, p. 6 ↗13A service member in civilian clothes is passed by a formation carrying the national ensign. What should the member do?
Face the flag and stand at attention with the right hand over the heart. Navy Regulations article 1207 sets this rule for members not in uniform.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“A member not in uniform being passed by or passing such a formation shall face the flag and stand at attention with the right hand over the heart”
— U.S. Navy Regulations 1990, ch. 12, art. 1207, p. 6 ↗14With which hand is a salute rendered and returned in the naval service?
The right hand, when practicable. Navy Regulations article 1209 sets the right hand for both rendering and returning the salute.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The salute by persons in the naval service shall be rendered and returned with the right hand, when practicable”
— U.S. Navy Regulations 1990, ch. 12, art. 1209, p. 9 ↗15Two Navy ships pass close aboard and exchange passing honors. Which ship sounds Attention, and at what moment?
The junior ship, when the bow of one ship passes the bow or stern of the other. That is the sequence in Navy Regulations chapter 12.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Attention shall be sounded by the junior when the bow of one ship passes the bow or stern of the other”
— U.S. Navy Regulations 1990, ch. 12, p. 18 ↗16Your ship passes another U.S. Navy ship close aboard at 0630. Are passing honors rendered?
No. Passing honors are not rendered after sunset or before 0800 unless international courtesy requires them.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Passing honors shall not be rendered after sunset or before 0800 except when international courtesy requires”
— U.S. Navy Regulations 1990, ch. 12, p. 18 ↗17Under Navy Regulations, what is the difference between an official visit and a call?
An official visit is formal and requires special honors and ceremonies; a call is informal and requires no special ceremonies. Both are defined in Navy Regulations article 1234.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“A call is an informal visit of courtesy requiring no special ceremonies”
— U.S. Navy Regulations 1990, ch. 12, art. 1234, p. 19 ↗18Within what time should an official visit be returned?
Within twenty-four hours, when practicable. Navy Regulations chapter 12 sets this time limit.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“An official visit shall be returned within twenty four hours when practicable”
— U.S. Navy Regulations 1990, ch. 12, p. 22 ↗19Who attends the side when officials and officers arrive at and depart from a Navy ship?
Officers appropriate to the occasion. Navy Regulations chapter 12 requires them to attend the side on arrival and departure.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Officers appropriate to the occasion shall attend the side on the arrival and departure of officials and officers”
— U.S. Navy Regulations 1990, ch. 12, p. 23 ↗20Through whom does the commanding officer normally require official communications from subordinates to be sent?
Through the executive officer. Navy Regulations chapter 8 has official communications from subordinates to the CO transmitted through the XO.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“the commanding officer shall require that all communications of an official nature from subordinates to the commanding officer be transmitted through the executive officer”
— U.S. Navy Regulations 1990, ch. 8, p. 4 ↗21At the daily accounting, a Sailor has not been seen by any responsible senior. How is the Sailor reported?
As absent. Navy Regulations chapter 8 requires daily accounting, and anyone not sighted by a responsible senior is reported absent.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“persons who have not been sighted by a responsible senior shall be reported absent”
— U.S. Navy Regulations 1990, ch. 8, p. 6 ↗22How must a Navy commanding officer ensure prisoners of war are treated when they are taken or received?
With humanity. Navy Regulations article 0829 makes the commanding officer responsible for this.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“On taking or receiving prisoners of war the commanding officer shall ensure that such prisoners are treated with humanity”
— U.S. Navy Regulations 1990, ch. 8, art. 0829, p. 10 ↗23Before a ship proceeds to sea or an aircraft commences a flight, what must the commanding officer be satisfied of?
That no unauthorized person is onboard. Navy Regulations chapter 8 places this check on the commanding officer.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The commanding officer shall satisfy him or herself that there is no unauthorized person onboard before proceeding to sea or commencing a flight”
— U.S. Navy Regulations 1990, ch. 8, p. 13 ↗24Which record is kept as an adjunct to the engineering log, and who prescribes the rules for the deck and engineering logs?
The engineer's bell book; the Chief of Naval Operations prescribes the rules. Both are set out in Navy Regulations chapter 8.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“the Chief of Naval Operations shall prescribe regulations governing the contents and preparation of the deck and engineering logs and adjunct records”
— U.S. Navy Regulations 1990, ch. 8, p. 14 ↗25If it becomes necessary to abandon ship, who should be the last person to leave?
The commanding officer. Navy Regulations chapter 8 says the CO should be the last person to leave the ship.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“if it becomes necessary to abandon the ship the commanding officer should be the last person to leave”
— U.S. Navy Regulations 1990, ch. 8, p. 16 ↗26Under the 1949 Geneva Convention, what central requirement applies to a Navy hospital ship or medical aircraft?
It must keep a noncombatant status. Navy Regulations chapter 8 names this as a central requirement of the Convention.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“one of the central requirements under the 1949 Geneva Convention is that the ship or aircraft maintain a noncombatant status”
— U.S. Navy Regulations 1990, ch. 8, p. 16 ↗27In time of peace, when is it lawful for U.S. naval personnel to use force against another nation or anyone within its territory?
Only as an act of self-defense. Navy Regulations article 0915 says any other use of force in peacetime is illegal.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“in time of peace by United States naval personnel against another nation or against anyone within the territories thereof is illegal except as an act of self defense”
— U.S. Navy Regulations 1990, ch. 9, art. 0915, p. 5 ↗28Under Navy Regulations article 0915, naval personnel have a right of self-defense against what?
Hostile acts or hostile intent. Article 0915 gives naval personnel this right of self-defense.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“naval personnel have a right of self defense against hostile acts or hostile intent”
— U.S. Navy Regulations 1990, ch. 9, art. 0915, p. 5 ↗29What must the senior officer present respect regarding foreign nations?
Their territorial integrity. Navy Regulations chapter 9 places this duty on the senior officer present.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“the senior officer present shall respect the territorial integrity of foreign nations”
— U.S. Navy Regulations 1990, ch. 9, p. 5 ↗30An officer serving under an acting appointment has that appointment revoked. What title does the officer use afterward?
The title of his or her actual grade. Under Navy Regulations article 1008 the officer uses the acting grade's title only while the appointment lasts.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“An officer holding an acting appointment shall have the title of his or her acting grade and when such appointment is revoked shall resume the title of his or her actual grade”
— U.S. Navy Regulations 1990, ch. 10, art. 1008, p. 5 ↗31You carry out an order that conflicts with an earlier order from a different superior, after that officer insisted on it. What must you then do?
Report the circumstances to the superior who gave the original order. Navy Regulations chapter 10 requires this report after executing the later order.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The officer receiving and executing such order shall report the circumstances to the superior from whom the original order was received”
— U.S. Navy Regulations 1990, ch. 10, p. 8 ↗32Which limited duty officers may succeed to command of an activity under Navy Regulations?
Any LDO whose designator is appropriate to the function of the activity. Navy Regulations article 1084 governs LDO succession to command.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“any limited duty officer with a designator appropriate to the function of the activity may succeed to command”
— U.S. Navy Regulations 1990, ch. 10, art. 1084, p. 20 ↗33Who is the commanding officer's direct representative and is primarily responsible for the organization, training and good order of the entire command?
The executive officer. The SORM makes the XO primarily responsible to the CO for organization, performance of duty, training, maintenance, and good order and discipline.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The executive officer is the direct representative of the commanding officer and shall be primarily responsible to the commanding officer for the organization, performance of duty, training, maintenance, and good order and discipline of the entire command.”
— OPNAVINST 3120.32D CH-1, Standard Organization and Regulations of the U.S. Navy (16 Jul 2012, Change 1 of 15 May 2017), Executive Officer, PDF p. 39 ↗34How long does the commanding officer's absolute responsibility for the safety, well-being and efficiency of the ship and crew last?
Until the CO is properly relieved by competent authority. The SORM calls this responsibility absolute.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The commanding officer is charged with the absolute responsibility for the safety, well-being, and efficiency of the ship and crew until properly relieved by a competent authority.”
— OPNAVINST 3120.32D CH-1, Standard Organization and Regulations of the U.S. Navy (16 Jul 2012, Change 1 of 15 May 2017), Commanding Officer, PDF p. 39 ↗35Who is the enlisted advisor to the command on policies affecting enlisted morale, welfare, job satisfaction, discipline and training?
The command master chief (or chief of the boat, or command senior chief). The SORM names the CMC as the command's enlisted advisor on these policies.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“is the enlisted advisor to the command on the formulation and implementation of policies pertinent to morale, welfare, job satisfaction, discipline, utilization and training of all enlisted personnel.”
— OPNAVINST 3120.32D CH-1, Standard Organization and Regulations of the U.S. Navy (16 Jul 2012, Change 1 of 15 May 2017), Command Master Chief, PDF p. 42 ↗36When may a department head confer directly with the commanding officer on departmental matters?
Whenever it is necessary for the good of the department, the command, or the naval service. The SORM gives department heads this direct line to the CO.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The Department Head shall confer directly with the commanding officer concerning departmental matters whenever such action is necessary for the good of the department, command, or the naval service.”
— OPNAVINST 3120.32D CH-1, Standard Organization and Regulations of the U.S. Navy (16 Jul 2012, Change 1 of 15 May 2017), Department Head, PDF p. 92 ↗37Who inspects each department daily and reports its condition, and to whom does that report go?
The department head, or a representative, reports to the executive officer, who then reports to the commanding officer. The SORM sets this daily chain of reports.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Each department head or a representative inspects daily and reports the condition of the department to the executive officer, who then makes a similar report to the commanding officer.”
— OPNAVINST 3120.32D CH-1, Standard Organization and Regulations of the U.S. Navy (16 Jul 2012, Change 1 of 15 May 2017), Department Head, PDF p. 93 ↗38According to the SORM, a new division officer is responsible for what?
The duties assigned to the division and the conduct of his or her subordinates. The division officer is assigned by the CO to lead a division of the unit.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“A division officer is assigned by the commanding officer to lead a division of the unit's organization.”
— OPNAVINST 3120.32D CH-1, Standard Organization and Regulations of the U.S. Navy (16 Jul 2012, Change 1 of 15 May 2017), art. 3.34 Division Officer, PDF p. 141 ↗39Who is the leading chief petty officer or leading petty officer (LCPO/LPO) of a division?
The senior chief petty officer or petty officer in the division, designated by the division officer. That is the SORM's definition.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The LCPO/LPO designated by the division officer is the senior chief petty officer or petty officer in the division.”
— OPNAVINST 3120.32D CH-1, Standard Organization and Regulations of the U.S. Navy (16 Jul 2012, Change 1 of 15 May 2017), LCPO/LPO, PDF p. 144 ↗40Where should a watch officer's station be located?
Where the watch officer can best perform the assigned duties and supervise those on watch. That is the SORM's rule for watch officers.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The watch officer's station shall be located where the watch officer can best perform the duties assigned and supervise those on watch.”
— OPNAVINST 3120.32D CH-1, Standard Organization and Regulations of the U.S. Navy (16 Jul 2012, Change 1 of 15 May 2017), Watch Officers, PDF p. 157 ↗41Before relieving the watch, whose permission must the oncoming watchstander obtain?
The appropriate watch supervisor's. The SORM lists this as the first step of a smart watch relief.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Permission is obtained from the appropriate watch supervisor to relieve the watch.”
— OPNAVINST 3120.32D CH-1, Standard Organization and Regulations of the U.S. Navy (16 Jul 2012, Change 1 of 15 May 2017), Relieving the Watch, PDF p. 164 ↗42Who designates the officer of the deck underway, and what is the OOD in charge of?
The commanding officer designates the OOD, who is in charge of the ship, including its safe and proper operation. That is SORM para. 4.15.3.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The OOD underway is designated by the commanding officer to be in charge of the ship including its safe and proper operation.”
— OPNAVINST 3120.32D CH-1, Standard Organization and Regulations of the U.S. Navy (16 Jul 2012, Change 1 of 15 May 2017), para. 4.15.3, PDF p. 171 ↗43To avoid grounding or collision, the OOD underway acts in accordance with which of the following: (A) tactical doctrine, (B) the U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Rules of the Road, (C) the orders of the commanding officer or other proper authority, or (D) all three?
All three: tactical doctrine, the Coast Guard Navigation Rules of the Road, and the orders of the CO or other proper authority (option D). SORM para. 4.15.3 lists them together.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Be aware of the tactical situation and geographic factors which may affect safe navigation and take action to avoid the danger of grounding or collision following tactical doctrine, the U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Rules of the Road, and the orders of the commanding officer or other proper authority.”
— OPNAVINST 3120.32D CH-1, Standard Organization and Regulations of the U.S. Navy (16 Jul 2012, Change 1 of 15 May 2017), para. 4.15.3, PDF p. 172 ↗44In port, who carries out the unit's routine and supervises the OOD (In-Port)?
The command duty officer (CDO In-Port), an officer or authorized petty officer designated by the CO. The SORM gives the CDO this role.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The CDO (In-Port) is the officer or authorized petty officer designated by the commanding officer to carry out the routine of the unit in port and to supervise the OOD (In-Port) in the safety and general duties of the unit.”
— OPNAVINST 3120.32D CH-1, Standard Organization and Regulations of the U.S. Navy (16 Jul 2012, Change 1 of 15 May 2017), CDO (In-Port), PDF p. 191 ↗45The executive officer is temporarily away from the ship while it is in port. Who carries out the XO's duties?
The CDO (In-Port). The SORM hands the XO's duties to the in-port command duty officer during a temporary absence.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“In the temporary absence of the executive officer, the duties of the executive officer are carried out by the CDO (In-Port).”
— OPNAVINST 3120.32D CH-1, Standard Organization and Regulations of the U.S. Navy (16 Jul 2012, Change 1 of 15 May 2017), CDO (In-Port), PDF p. 191 ↗46Who is the OOD (In-Port), and for what is he or she primarily responsible?
The officer or petty officer on watch whom the CO designates to be in charge of the unit. The OOD in port is primarily responsible for its safety, security and proper operation.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“They are primarily responsible for the safety, security, and proper operation of the unit.”
— OPNAVINST 3120.32D CH-1, Standard Organization and Regulations of the U.S. Navy (16 Jul 2012, Change 1 of 15 May 2017), OOD (In-Port), PDF p. 193 ↗47Under the SORM's regulations, who must give permission to strike the ship's bell, and for what purposes?
The OOD. The bell may be struck only to indicate the time or, at anchor, as a fire alarm or fog signal.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“No person shall strike the Ship's bell or gong without permission of the OOD, and then only to indicate the time, or (when at anchor) a fire alarm or fog signal.”
— OPNAVINST 3120.32D CH-1, Standard Organization and Regulations of the U.S. Navy (16 Jul 2012, Change 1 of 15 May 2017), Ship's Bell, PDF p. 208 ↗48An officer senior to the executive officer leaves the ship. Who reports the departure, and to whom?
The OOD reports it to the executive officer. The SORM requires the OOD to report both departure and return of such officers to the XO.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The departure and return of officers senior to the executive officer shall be reported to the latter by the OOD.”
— OPNAVINST 3120.32D CH-1, Standard Organization and Regulations of the U.S. Navy (16 Jul 2012, Change 1 of 15 May 2017), Reports to the XO, PDF p. 226 ↗49A Sailor's special request chit sits on a supervisor's desk for a week because the supervisor forgot it. Which SORM regulation does this violate?
The rule against failing to act on or forward requests promptly. The SORM forbids anyone, through intent or neglect, to fail to act on or promptly forward a request or appeal that is theirs to act on or forward.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“No person shall, through intent or neglect, fail to act on or forward promptly any request or appeal which is their duty to act on or forward.”
— OPNAVINST 3120.32D CH-1, Standard Organization and Regulations of the U.S. Navy (16 Jul 2012, Change 1 of 15 May 2017), Requests, PDF p. 235 ↗50What is the Watch, Quarter and Station Bill?
The commanding officer's summary of personnel assignments to the duties and stations in the unit's bills. The SORM calls it a composite of the other bills.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The Watch, Quarter and Station Bill is a composite of other bills and is the commanding officer's summary of assignments of personnel to duties and stations specified within each of the unit's bills.”
— OPNAVINST 3120.32D CH-1, Standard Organization and Regulations of the U.S. Navy (16 Jul 2012, Change 1 of 15 May 2017), Watch, Quarter and Station Bill, PDF p. 239 ↗51Who has custody of the ship's seal, and how may it be used?
The executive officer, for permissible use only as the commanding officer directs. That is the SORM's rule for the seal.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The executive officer shall have custody of the ship's seal for permissible use only as directed by the commanding officer.”
— OPNAVINST 3120.32D CH-1, Standard Organization and Regulations of the U.S. Navy (16 Jul 2012, Change 1 of 15 May 2017), Correspondence, PDF p. 255 ↗52Foreign dignitaries are coming aboard for a visit. Who appoints the officer guides to escort them?
The executive officer. Under the SORM visit bill, the XO appoints one or more officer guides for visits by distinguished persons.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“For visits by distinguished persons, such as foreign dignitaries and federal officials, the executive officer shall appoint one or more officer guides to escort the visitors.”
— OPNAVINST 3120.32D CH-1, Standard Organization and Regulations of the U.S. Navy (16 Jul 2012, Change 1 of 15 May 2017), Visit Bill, PDF p. 253 ↗53Why did firing a ship's guns before entering a friendly port start out as a courtesy?
Emptying the guns showed they were unloaded. NHHC traces the custom to the fourteenth century, when guns held only one projectile.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Starting in the fourteenth century, as firearms and cannons that contained only one projectile came into use, discharging the projectile before entering a friendly port demonstrated that they were unloaded”
— Naval History and Heritage Command, Twenty-One Gun Salute (4 Feb 2026) ↗54Why are gun salutes fired in odd numbers?
Because odd numbers were once thought lucky. NHHC adds that an even number of guns came to mean the captain or ship master had died on the voyage.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Salutes with an even number of guns came to signify that the captain or ship master had died on the voyage”
— Naval History and Heritage Command, Twenty-One Gun Salute (4 Feb 2026) ↗55On 16 November 1776, which Continental Navy brigantine fired a 13-gun salute on entering the harbor of St. Eustatius in the West Indies?
Andrew Doria, under Captain Isaiah Robinson. NHHC records that the Dutch governor had the salute returned a few minutes later.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“A few minutes later, the salute was returned by 9 (or 11) guns by order of the Dutch governor of the island”
— Naval History and Heritage Command, Twenty-One Gun Salute (4 Feb 2026) ↗56Which year's U.S. Navy regulations were the first to prescribe a specific manner of rendering gun salutes, and what did the 21 guns for the President match at the time?
1818; twenty-one was the number of states in the Union then. NHHC notes that gun salutes were in use before they were written into regulations.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“It may be noted that twenty-one was the number of states in the Union at that time”
— Naval History and Heritage Command, Twenty-One Gun Salute (4 Feb 2026) ↗57When did the 21-gun salute for the President, heads of state, Washington's Birthday and the Fourth of July become standard in the U.S. Navy?
With new regulations issued on 24 May 1842. Before that, a salute of one gun per state was common.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“For a time thereafter it became customary to offer a salute of one gun for each state in the Union”
— Naval History and Heritage Command, Twenty-One Gun Salute (4 Feb 2026) ↗58At a change of command, what does the outgoing commanding officer do after all hands are mustered, and what does the relief do?
The outgoing CO reads the order of detachment and turns over command; the relief reads the orders of relief and assumes command. That is the regulation NHHC quotes.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“call all hands to muster, read the order of detachment and turn over command to his or her relief, who will read the orders of relief and assume command”
— Naval History and Heritage Command, Change of Command (14 May 2018) ↗59When does the change of command ceremony first appear in Navy regulations?
During the Civil War. NHHC notes the procedures have changed little since then.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The first mention of the ceremony in Navy regulations occurs during the Civil War; there has been little change in the procedures of the change of command since then.”
— Naval History and Heritage Command, Change of Command (14 May 2018) ↗60After taking command, what does the new commanding officer customarily say about the standing orders?
That the standing orders will remain in effect. NHHC describes this statement as part of the new CO's remarks.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The new commanding officer will include a statement that standing orders will remain in effect.”
— Naval History and Heritage Command, Change of Command (14 May 2018) ↗61After turning over command, what authority and honors does the relieved commanding officer keep until final departure?
No authority, but all the ceremonies and distinctions of a commanding officer. That is the Navy regulation NHHC quotes.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“the officer relieved, though without authority after turning over the command, is, until final departure, entitled to all ceremonies and distinctions accorded a commanding officer”
— Naval History and Heritage Command, Change of Command (14 May 2018) ↗62Why do watchstanders ring the ship's bell when the captain or a flag officer comes aboard or departs?
To announce the person's arrival or departure to the ship. NHHC says watchstanders make an announcement and ring the bell for the captain, a flag officer or other important person.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“When the ship's captain, a flag officer, or other important person arrives or departs, watch standers make an announcement to the ship and ring the bell.”
— Naval History and Heritage Command, The Ship's Bell (4 Jun 2024) ↗63Who owns a U.S. Navy ship's bell?
The U.S. Government and the Department of the Navy. NHHC states that ship's bells remain their permanent property.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Ship’s bells remain the permanent property of the U.S. Government and the Department of the Navy.”
— Naval History and Heritage Command, The Ship's Bell (4 Jun 2024) ↗64At a conference, a vendor offers you an unsolicited coffee mug worth $15. Under the de minimis gift exception, may you accept it?
Yes. You may accept unsolicited gifts of $20 or less per source per occasion, up to $50 from any one person in a calendar year, and the exception never covers cash or investment interests.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“The exception in this paragraph (a) does not apply to gifts of cash or of investment interests such as stock, bonds, or certificates of deposit.”
— 5 CFR §2635.204(a) (eCFR, up to date as of 23 Sep 2026) ↗65Your division wants to take up a collection for an expensive farewell gift for the commanding officer, who is your official superior. What does the gifts-between-employees rule say?
Generally no. An employee may not give or contribute toward a gift for an official superior, and the superior may not knowingly accept it, unless an exception in the rule applies.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Directly or indirectly, give a gift to or make a contribution toward a gift for an official superior, and an official superior may not knowingly accept such a gift”
— 5 CFR §2635.302(a) (eCFR, up to date as of 23 Sep 2026) ↗66On an occasional basis, such as a holiday, what may be given to an official superior under the exceptions for gifts between employees?
Non-cash items worth $10 or less per occasion. 5 CFR 2635.304(a) allows these on occasions when gifts are traditionally given or exchanged.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“On an occasional basis, including any occasion on which gifts are traditionally given or exchanged, the following may be given to an official superior or accepted from a subordinate or an employee receiving less pay: (1) Items, other than cash, with an aggregate market value of $10 or less per occasion”
— 5 CFR §2635.304(a) (eCFR, up to date as of 23 Sep 2026) ↗67What basic obligation of public service does 5 CFR 2635.101(a) place on every federal employee?
To place loyalty to the Constitution, laws and ethical principles above private gain. The rule calls this a responsibility to the Government and its citizens.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Each employee has a responsibility to the United States Government and its citizens to place loyalty to the Constitution, laws, and ethical principles above private gain.”
— 5 CFR §2635.101(a) (eCFR, up to date as of 23 Sep 2026) ↗68An action you are considering is technically legal but would look improper to an observer. What does the ethics standard require?
Try to avoid it. 5 CFR 2635.101(b)(14) says employees shall endeavor to avoid actions that create the appearance of violating the law or the ethical standards.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Employees shall endeavor to avoid any actions creating the appearance that they are violating the law or the ethical standards set forth in this part.”
— 5 CFR §2635.101(b)(14) (eCFR, up to date as of 23 Sep 2026) ↗69May an officer use a government vehicle or office printer for a personal errand?
No. Employees must protect and conserve government property and may not use it, or let others use it, for anything but authorized purposes.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“Employees have a duty to protect and conserve Government property and may not use such property, or allow its use, for other than authorized purposes.”
— 5 CFR §2635.704(a) (eCFR, up to date as of 23 Sep 2026) ↗70What does 5 CFR 2635.705(a) require of an employee's use of official time?
An honest effort to perform official duties. The rule says official time must be used that way.
VERIFIED AGAINST THE SOURCE
“employees must use official time in an honest effort to perform official duties”
— 5 CFR §2635.705(a) (eCFR, up to date as of 23 Sep 2026) ↗Know questions we're missing?
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