Editing Morse code (section)

=== Maritime flash telegraphy and radio telegraphy ===
[[File:U.S. Navy 151103-N-XX082-001 Morse Code training 2015.jpg|thumb|A U.S. Navy Morse Code training class in 2015. The sailors will use their new skills to collect [[signals intelligence]].]]
Radiotelegraphy using Morse code was vital during [[World War II]], especially in carrying messages between the [[warship]]s and the [[naval base]]s of the belligerents. Long-range ship-to-ship communication was by radio telegraphy, using [[encrypted]] messages because the voice radio systems on ships then were quite limited in both their range and their security. Radiotelegraphy was also extensively used by [[warplane]]s, especially by long-range [[scout plane|patrol planes]] that were sent out by navies to scout for enemy warships, cargo ships, and troop ships.

Morse code was used as an international standard for maritime distress until 1999 when it was replaced by the [[Global Maritime Distress and Safety System]]. When the [[French Navy]] ceased using Morse code on January 31, 1997, the final message transmitted was ''"Calling all. This is our last call before our eternal silence."''<ref name=Economist-1999-01-23/>