Guide to Guidon Flags

It’s Chief Petty Officer (CPO) selectee season and we’re here to support! Over the years, we’ve supported hundreds of servicemen and women in San Diego by creating custom guidon flags and streamers in preparation for CPO pinning ceremonies. For those tasked with crafting their unit’s guidon flag themselves, we can also provide materials to bring your vision to life.

Crafting a U.S. Navy guidon flag is more than just a part of the CPO selectee process— it’s a symbol that represents their unit, identity, and spirit. 

At Sunward Flag, we’ve been crafting guidon flags, and providing supplies for service members to craft their own, for 30 years. 

For those beginning the process or in need of a refresher, let’s explore exactly what a guidon pennant is and what it represents?

What is a Guidon Flag?

A guidon flag is a creative and symbolic flag that is an important part of the selectees’ preparation for their new role as Chief Petty Officer (CPO.) Guidon flags are made to exacting standards— often varying between units. 

Generally, guidon flags are 20” x 27-¾” with a swallowtail cut end. Flags often include symbols and text like their insignia rating specialty marks, command name, motto, anchor emblem, and colors to represent their unit’s identity. Specific guidance varies by unit.

For those interested in including their rate insignia, we are proud to showcase rating badges on guidon flags with icons representing boatswain’s mate (BM), machinist’s mate (MM), electrician’s mate (EM), hospital corpsman (HM), and more.

We know that accelerated timelines and exacting standards are par for the course and we’re here to help. 

Here’s why servicemen and women trust us when it comes to crafting guidon flags in San Diego, California:

Fast Turnaround Time

At Sunward Flag, our specialized graphics and production teams are proud to craft custom guidon flags in-house. That means we’re prepared for tight turnaround times and can work with you to customize your flag in real-time. We have guidon flag material in stock and ready for pick-up.

100% American-Made 

Like all of our flags, we’re proud to craft each guidon flag in San Diego, California using premium American-made materials. When it comes to representing our armed forces, every flag is stitched with pride, using a team of skilled craftsmen and the highest-quality materials. 

Customizable

All of our guidon flags are customizable to fit the exacting standards, and preferences, of each unit. For those tasked with crafting their own guidon flags, we’ve got you. We can supply selectees with the materials to bring their vision for their own guidon flag to life. Our team can provide a guidon flag base, precision-cut letters, and any elements you may need. 

Ready to get started? Send us an email, stop by, or call our office today at (858)-689-8444. We’re here to support your CPO selectee journey and look forward to partnering with you.