When may the United States flag be flown with the blue field down?

The United States flag may be flown with the blue field down as a signal of distress. This practice serves as an internationally recognized signal that someone is in trouble and needs help. When the flag is displayed this way, it conveys a serious message that requires immediate attention and assistance from others. This protocol emphasizes the importance of the flag as a symbol of the nation, as it conveys a specific meaning when positioned in this manner.

Flying the flag in distress applies to situations where individuals or units are facing grave circumstances, whether at sea or on land. Thus, the correct context for such a display is during emergencies, encapsulating the urgency and importance of conveying a distressed state. The other options do not justify flying the flag with the blue field down, as they do not represent appropriate or standard practices according to flag etiquette.