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Operation StealthComm
As well as flags, ships use powerful lamps to flash Morse Code messages to one another. The system combines "dots" and "dashes", which represent both letters and numbers.
The original Morse Code was invented by Samuel B. Morse in 1838. He created a code that used different numbers to represent the letters of the English alphabet and the ten digits. His actual invention was this "prototype" code and a paper-tape based sending/receiving system requiring a special dictionary to decode a message. Morse Code, as it is known today, is based on his early work.
Today, Morse Code is rarely used in the civilian world -- fax machines, cellular and satellite phones, and the Internet have made this type of communication out-dated. However, Morse Code still has a large following in those who enjoy working with amateur, or "HAM", radio.
Even though the commercial world no longer uses Morse Code, navies still find Morse Code useful. Sometimes, during operations or exercises, ships have to maintain radio silence to avoid detection and the only way to communicate is visually, by flashing lights between ships. To intercept a message, you would have to be in the exact line-of-sight of the light beam.
Whenever two Canadian warships meet to refuel, for example, or transfer personnel, you will see navy signalers (called Yeoman) hone their traditional skills using the large signal lights mounted on the bridge wings as well as semaphore flags (which you can also learn about on this site!).
SEND YOUR OWN SECRET MESSAGE (click this link)
To see a list of all the Morse code signals, click
here.
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