Merchant Marine Flags

What Does the Merchant Marine Flag Look Like?

The United States Merchant Marine flag features a dark blue field with the Merchant Marine emblem — an eagle with wings spread above an anchor and shield, representing the maritime heritage and service of America's civilian mariners. The flag honors the men and women who have crewed American commercial and military support vessels since the founding of the nation. Every Merchant Marine flag at Tidmore Flags is produced to official specifications with color-accurate emblem detail on a crisp dark blue field. Shop the Merchant Marine flag →

America's Fourth Arm of Defense

The US Merchant Marine has served as America's civilian maritime lifeline since the Revolutionary War. During World War II, Merchant Mariners delivered the fuel, food, weapons, and supplies that sustained Allied forces across every ocean — at tremendous personal risk. More than 9,000 Merchant Mariners died in World War II, a casualty rate that exceeded every branch of the Armed Forces. Congress officially recognized Merchant Mariners as veterans in 1988. Today the Merchant Marine continues its mission of moving the cargo that sustains American commerce and military readiness. When you fly the Merchant Marine flag, you're honoring a service that kept the nation alive through its most dangerous hours. Shop Merchant Marine flags →

Outdoor or Indoor — Which Merchant Marine Flag Is Right for You?

Nylon Merchant Marine Flag (Outdoor) — The right choice for homes, maritime academies, port authority buildings, waterways facilities, and veteran organizations. Nylon is lightweight, quick-drying, and flies easily in a light breeze. The dark blue field and emblem stay vivid under UV exposure. For coastal and waterfront locations subject to salt air and sustained marine wind, rinse the flag periodically with fresh water and inspect the fly end monthly — coastal conditions accelerate wear faster than inland display. Shop the Merchant Marine nylon flag →

Indoor Merchant Marine Flag with Pole Hem and Gold Fringe — The traditional choice for formal spaces: maritime academies, port authority offices, American Legion and VFW posts, chapels, government offices, and veteran organizations. Gold fringe is the standard finish for ceremonial display and presentation sets. Shop the indoor Merchant Marine flag →

What Size Merchant Marine Flag Should I Buy?

For a 20-foot residential or commercial pole, a 3x5 ft Merchant Marine flag is the standard size. For poles 25 feet and taller, a 4x6 ft flag provides better proportion and visibility. When flying the Merchant Marine flag alongside the American flag, choose the Merchant Marine flag one size smaller to keep the display in proper proportion. Use our Flag Size Calculator for an instant recommendation based on your pole height.

Ordering Merchant Marine Flags for Academies, Ports, or Government Buildings?

We regularly supply Merchant Marine flags to maritime academies, port authorities, VFW posts, American Legion chapters, schools, municipalities, and government buildings. We offer bulk pricing and tax-exempt quotes for qualifying orders. Contact our flag experts or call 800-321-3524 Mon–Thu 8am–5pm CST, Fri 8am–4pm CST.

Related Military Flag Collections

• All US Military Branch Flags
• Navy Flags
• Coast Guard Flags
• Army Flags
• Military Presentation Sets
• POW/MIA Flags