First Salute at Navy commissioning

[navyfamilyof4]

can it be given by a retired navy officer? or should it be a NCO or enlisted only?

 

[MidCakePa]

It’s purely ceremonial. Therefore you can do it any way you want, DD’s younger brother DS is an ROTC cadet. He offered het first salute. Our big regret is that DD’s grandmother (a former Army nurse) and grandfather (former enlisted in a European navy) were not there to all take part with salutes of their own.

Make it special and meaningful. No one is keeping official track.

 

[Capt MJ]

Personal salutes are rendered by juniors to seniors. The point of the first salute is to recognize the new ensign or second lieutenant with the first rendering of that by someone junior in rank, usually an enlisted person who has been particularly helpful.

That said, it’s purely traditional/ceremonial, do it whatever way you like for a fun photo op. No one is going to care or take action.

I followed the tradition and asked a Navy master chief at OCS, who had mentored me and prepared me to lead sailors with salt-of-the-deckplates advice, to honor me by giving me my first salute. We both had tears in our eyes. He made sure he was in the right position at the right time, the minute I put my officer cover on. We did not hug, of course, but it was a long and warm handshake after.

 

[justdoit19]

It was an emotional moment for this momma, when our youngest Midshipman son, saluted his big brother, no longer a Mid.

They had special years together USNA

 

[Capt MJ]

Here’s some ProKnow from an authoritative source, Bill The Goat’s blog:

The USNA Silver Dollar Salute

The Silver Dollar Salute is a tradition that symbolically acknowledges a Commissioned Officer’s new position, rank and the respect afforded to such status.

go.navyonline.com

 

[navyfamilyof4]

DS is about to commission and has no personal relationship with an enlisted or NCO. But he does with a retired officer who he’s known for years and is a mentor. Thanks for info!

 

[GWU PNS (emeritus)]

And if you want to go that extra mile, there are sites where you can order a commemorative silver dollar with the name and rank of the newly commissioned officer.

Here is a link of an example. One of my Mids used this last year. (I have no connection with this group whatsoever.....just sending here as an example.)

American Silver Eagles

Perfect choice for the Silver Dollar Salute ceremony. The Silver American Eagle is the most popular silver bullion coin in the world.

firstsalute.com