Naval salute

[daves military display]

While watching news coverage of sailors placing flags at Arlington, something looked different about their salute, I noticed as the hand came down from the hat brim they clenched their fist for a second and then continued down. Not being familiar with Naval traditions it took me by surprise. Is there a reason for this type of salute or is this standard?

[RogueNavy]

That ain't the way I ever saluted. Maybe that's just a personal bad habit they've developed.

[JohnP]

Originally Posted by daves military display

While watching news coverage of sailors placing flags at Arlington, something looked different about their salute, I noticed as the hand came down from the hat brim they clenched their fist for a second and then continued down. Not being familiar with Naval traditions it took me by surprise. Is there a reason for this type of salute or is this standard?

This is a possible explanation:

The naval salute, with the palm downwards, is said to have originated because the palms of naval ratings, particularly deckhands, were often dirty through working with lines. Because it would be insulting to present a dirty palm to an officer, the palm was turned downwards. In Nelson's time, enlisted men saluted officers by touching a clenched fist to the brow.

But I agree, I've not seen it, but that don't mean it don't exist.

[Ben Shotalot]

Ceremonial salutes at Arlington are done differently than the standard salute, mostly to emphasize the movement and dramatic effect.

Certain small things are done to signify a moment and timing to the other team members of the team and this could have been the case.

IE: A small twist or tug of the flag corner while retrieving and folding the draped flag from the coffin.