Pearl Harbor, Oahu, Hawaii. (February 13, 2024) The rendering of honors is a solemn Navy ritual to memorialize America’s navy war dead. In this photo by Petty Officer Joshua Sapien, Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson render honors to the USS Arizona Memorial as it enters Pearl Harbor for a port visit.

Also called “manning the rails,” the tradition is customary for all U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine vessels transiting Pearl Harbor. As a ship passes the Arizona memorial, the Captain sounds “Attention” wherein all hands go topside to give a hand salute until the “Carry On” order is given.

The custom is also extended to show respect for the President of the United States, rulers of foreign nations, and members of the royal family. It is through traditions like these that the Navy binds one generation of mariners to another by honoring those who paid the ultimate price.