When festive warship decoration created a false distress signal

What is the most memorable decorative modification a warship crew made?

One crew turned a red buoy into an illuminated Christmas bow decoration so bright that the task group mistook it for a distress signal.

Unofficial warship decorations have included disco balls and an illuminated Christmas nose made from a red buoy. In Alex's account, the buoy was mounted on the bow and shone brightly enough for the task group to mistake it for a distress beacon. He leaves the ship unnamed while suggesting that those present would recognize the incident. The resulting paperwork for chief petty officers discouraged anyone from repeating the display. A decoration intended as seasonal entertainment had interfered with operational signaling.