---
kind: "section"
citation: "33 U.S.C. § 3076"
title: "33"
title_heading: "Navigation and Navigable Waters"
number: "3076"
heading: "Presentation of United States flag upon retirement"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/33/3076"
units:
  - "Chapter 43 — National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps"
  - "Subchapter V — Rights and Benefits"
---

# §3076. Presentation of United States flag upon retirement

- (a) **Presentation of flag upon retirement—** Upon the release of a commissioned [officer](/usc/33/3002.md?p=b-3) from active commissioned service for retirement, the [Secretary](/usc/33/3002.md?p=b-6) shall present a United States flag to the [officer](/usc/33/3002.md?p=b-3).
- (b) **Multiple presentations not authorized—** An [officer](/usc/33/3002.md?p=b-3) is not eligible for presentation of a flag under [subsection (a)](#a) if the [officer](/usc/33/3002.md?p=b-3) has previously been presented a flag under this section or any other provision of law providing for the presentation of a United States flag incident to release from active service for retirement.
- (c) **No cost to recipient—** The presentation of a flag under this section shall be at no cost to the recipient.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 107–372, title II, § 266, Dec. 19, 2002, 116 Stat. 3093.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in section 853v of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 107–372.