Captain (Naval)
A senior US Navy officer, O-6 and NATO OF-5, commanding major warships, carriers, aviation wings, and shore stations.
Overview
The naval Captain wears four stripes and commands aircraft carriers with crews of five thousand, cruisers, submarine squadrons, air wings, and major shore activities. The title is far senior to the Army captain of the same name: OF-5 against OF-2. The usage descends from the post captain of the age of sail, master of the ship and gentleman by commission. Naval custom reserves Captain as address for the commanding officer of any ship regardless of rank, a courtesy as old as the service itself. Captains feed the flag ranks by fierce selection.
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