Interesting choice of a photo by your editors.  If I remember my "Chapmans" correctly, only one national ensign is allowed, per ship.  This sorry ship needs TWO?  AND, the US Code states that NO flag may fly above the national ensign.  What is that flag over Our Flag?  Hard to tell, but it could be the Union Jack.  Supposed to be on a spar on the bow of the ship.

Links to US Navy "flag etiquette":

National ensign:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ensign 

US Nay Union Jack:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_of_the_United_States.

Every real sailor has a copy of Chapmans on their boat.  Except Susan Scott: "batten down the hatches".

Bill Cole?