WEBVTT

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- [Zach] USS Pioneer pulled into Sasebo in late December

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after successfully completing

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their mine warfare certification.

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While coming back, the crew raised a special symbol,

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their battle flag.

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- The battle ensigns go back to the days of

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the sailing ships when you'd go into battle,

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you'd hoist your big battle ensign on the masts.

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- [Zach] The battle flag is a symbol that signifies

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ship's pride back then, and still holds true to this day.

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- We just completed our MIW, our mine warfare certification,

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and we wanted to show our colors and our pride

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for the crew, and then show victory.

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- [Zach] The crew looks forward to more successes

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and occasions to fly their flag in 2017.

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Petty Officer Zach Kreitzer, Fleet Activity Sasebo, Japan.