What are the unique features of a flagship?

Answer 1

It is the vessel that the fleet commander (usually a Flag officer or Admiral) uses while commanding. It is his office at sea and the location where his flag is flown, therefore it is temporary site. It usually provides added space for his staff and enhanced communications equipment. In war, an admiral has the choice to fly his flag from any ship that he wants. Admiral Perry's motto was "Don't Give Up the Ship," but he won the Battle of Lake Erie by doing exactly that, and transferring his flag to another ship after his flagship was put out of action.