### Question
How is the term flag officer defined?


### Answer
The term **flag officer** is defined in *33 U.S.C. § 3002* as the following:

> an officer serving in, or having the grade of, vice admiral, rear admiral, or rear admiral (lower half)

#### Citation:
  - *33 U.S.C. § 3002*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 43-NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION COMMISSIONED OFFICER CORPS > SUBCHAPTER I-GENERAL PROVISIONS**

