When a Navy ship gets underway, where is the ensign shifted to?

When a Navy ship gets underway, the ensign is shifted to the mainmast. The practice of displaying the national flag, or ensign, at the mainmast represents the ship's readiness and operational status. The mainmast is the highest point on the ship, providing good visibility for the flag and symbolizing the ship's identity as it engages in naval operations. Displaying the ensign at the mainmast is a longstanding tradition in naval protocol and demonstrates the ship's presence in accordance with naval customs. This positioning distinguishes the active state of the vessel from being moored, where the ensign might be displayed elsewhere, such as at the stern or in other locations when appropriate.