Manning the rail is a method of saluting or rendering honors used by naval vessels. The custom evolved from that of manning the yards, which dates from the days of sail. On sailing ships, men stood evenly spaced on all the yards, the spars holding the sails, and gave three cheers to honor distinguished persons. Today the crew is stationed along the rails and superstructure of a ship when honors are rendered.

The United States Navy prescribes manning the rail as a possible honor to render to the President of the United States and for rulers of foreign nations. A similar but less formal ceremony is to have the crew "at quarters" when the ship is entering or leaving port.

Manning the rail is also the traditional way to honor the USS Arizona Memorial when it is passed by U.S. ships. Every ship passing the Arizona man the rails and give her a ship salute.

When leaving for our Med cruise in December of 91 we were at our positions manning the rails when the Admiral of the Atlantic fleet came on board. We knew we were in for bad news when he left. Before he left he wanted to get some good press so he began walking down the line of sailors talking to each one and shaking their hands. I was thinking “Do I salute or just shake his hand” He came to the chief next to me and stopped. He put his hand on my shoulder and said see you all in 6 months.
We manned the rails a few times while I was on board, most of the time entering a foreign port.