Intro
Discover the hierarchy of the US Navy officer ranks in order, from lowest to highest. Learn about the 13 officer ranks, including Ensign, Lieutenant Junior Grade, and Admiral, and understand the roles, responsibilities, and requirements for each. Get insights into Navy officer careers and the ranks that make up the naval officer corps.
The United States Navy is one of the most prestigious and respected branches of the military, with a long history of defending the country and its interests. One of the key aspects of the Navy is its ranking system, which determines an officer's level of responsibility, authority, and pay. In this article, we will explore the 13 Navy officer ranks in order, from lowest to highest, and provide an overview of the responsibilities and requirements for each rank.
Ensign (O-1)
The Ensign is the lowest commissioned officer rank in the Navy, equivalent to a second lieutenant in the Army or Air Force. Ensigns are typically recent graduates of the United States Naval Academy or other officer training programs. They serve as division officers, responsible for leading a small group of sailors and overseeing day-to-day operations.
Responsibilities:
- Lead a division of sailors
- Oversee day-to-day operations
- Assist in planning and executing missions
Lieutenant Junior Grade (O-2)
The Lieutenant Junior Grade is the second-lowest commissioned officer rank in the Navy. LTJGs typically serve as assistant department heads or division officers, responsible for leading a small team of sailors and overseeing specific tasks.
Responsibilities:
- Assist in leading a division of sailors
- Oversee specific tasks and projects
- Assist in planning and executing missions
Lieutenant (O-3)
The Lieutenant is a mid-level commissioned officer rank in the Navy. Lieutenants typically serve as department heads or executive officers, responsible for leading a team of sailors and overseeing specific departments or operations.
Responsibilities:
- Lead a department or division of sailors
- Oversee specific operations or projects
- Assist in planning and executing missions
Lieutenant Commander (O-4)
The Lieutenant Commander is a senior commissioned officer rank in the Navy. LCDRs typically serve as executive officers or department heads, responsible for leading a team of sailors and overseeing specific operations or departments.
Responsibilities:
- Lead a department or division of sailors
- Oversee specific operations or projects
- Assist in planning and executing missions
Commander (O-5)
The Commander is a senior commissioned officer rank in the Navy. Commanders typically serve as commanding officers or executive officers, responsible for leading a team of sailors and overseeing specific operations or departments.
Responsibilities:
- Lead a department or division of sailors
- Oversee specific operations or projects
- Assist in planning and executing missions
Captain (O-6)
The Captain is a senior commissioned officer rank in the Navy. Captains typically serve as commanding officers or executive officers, responsible for leading a team of sailors and overseeing specific operations or departments.
Responsibilities:
- Lead a department or division of sailors
- Oversee specific operations or projects
- Assist in planning and executing missions
Rear Admiral (Lower Half) (O-7)
The Rear Admiral (Lower Half) is a one-star admiral rank in the Navy. RADMs typically serve as deputy commanders or chiefs of staff, responsible for assisting in the planning and execution of operations.
Responsibilities:
- Assist in planning and executing operations
- Oversee specific departments or operations
- Advise senior leaders on policy and strategy
Rear Admiral (Upper Half) (O-8)
The Rear Admiral (Upper Half) is a two-star admiral rank in the Navy. RADMs typically serve as commanders or deputy commanders, responsible for leading a team of sailors and overseeing specific operations or departments.
Responsibilities:
- Lead a team of sailors
- Oversee specific operations or departments
- Assist in planning and executing missions
Vice Admiral (O-9)
The Vice Admiral is a three-star admiral rank in the Navy. VADMs typically serve as deputy commanders or chiefs of staff, responsible for assisting in the planning and execution of operations.
Responsibilities:
- Assist in planning and executing operations
- Oversee specific departments or operations
- Advise senior leaders on policy and strategy
Admiral (O-10)
The Admiral is the highest commissioned officer rank in the Navy. Admirals typically serve as commanders or chiefs of staff, responsible for leading a team of sailors and overseeing specific operations or departments.
Responsibilities:
- Lead a team of sailors
- Oversee specific operations or departments
- Assist in planning and executing missions
Fleet Admiral (O-10)
The Fleet Admiral is a special rank in the Navy, reserved for times of war or national emergency. Fleet Admirals typically serve as commanders or chiefs of staff, responsible for leading a team of sailors and overseeing specific operations or departments.
Responsibilities:
- Lead a team of sailors
- Oversee specific operations or departments
- Assist in planning and executing missions
Navy Officer Ranks Image Gallery
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of the 13 Navy officer ranks in order, from lowest to highest. Whether you're a current or former member of the Navy, or simply interested in learning more about the military, we encourage you to share this article with others and continue the conversation.