What should be done at 0800 during the morning colors?

During the morning colors, hauling down the prep pennant is a critical action as it signifies that the colors (the national flag) will be raised shortly. This is a well-established naval tradition and is part of the sequence of events that occur during morning colors. The preparation pennant, commonly referred to as the "prep" or "preparatory" pennant, is flown to signal that a ceremony is about to commence, and it is typically hauled down just before the colors are raised. This action indicates to personnel that they should prepare to render honors and participate in the ceremony appropriately.

Executing a salute is important during morning colors, as individuals should salute when the colors are being hoisted; however, the correct immediate action of prepping for the ceremony is to haul down the prep pennant. Sounding the morning whistle can be part of the ceremonial activities, but it is not a specific action that directly precedes the raising of the colors. Closing the brow, which refers to shutting the access point to the ship, is not relevant to the morning colors ceremony and serves a different purpose altogether. Thus, the primary action taken at 0800 is to haul down the prep pennant, aligning with established naval procedures for the colors ceremony.