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Commanding Officer (CO). The responsibilities of the CO are absolute until relieved by competent authority. Although the CO may delegate authority to subordinates, such delegation does not relieve him or her of continued responsibility for the safety and efficiency of the entire command. The CO must exert every effort to maintain his command in a state of maximum effectiveness for war service. The CO's position is quasi-judicial. It is legislative, judicial, and executive. A CO's power is authoritarian and complete. He has the ultimate responsibility for the ship, the crew, and everything pertaining to the ship. Power is vested to the CO by the UCMJ to impose limited punishment and this power may not be delegated.
Executive Officer (XO). The officer responsible to the CO for maintaining good order and discipline, the performance of duty, safety, morale, and welfare of the crew, and the military and general efficiency of the ship. All department heads, other officers, and enlisted personnel are under the XO's orders in all matters pertaining to operation and maintenance of the ship and to the preservation of good order and discipline. The XO arranges and coordinates all ship's work, drills and exercises, the personnel organization, policing of the ship, and inspections. The XO sits as head of the planning board for training.
- Command Master Chief (CMC). The principal enlisted adviser to the commanding officer. The CMC keeps the CO up to date on situations, procedures, and practices that affect the welfare, morale, and well-being of the enlisted crew and their families.
Department Head (DH). The officer head of a ship’s department. The DH is the representative of the CO in all matters pertaining to the department and conforms to the policies and complies with orders of the CO. The DH reports to the CO for the operational readiness of the department and reports to the XO for administrative matters and keeps the XO informed of reports made to the CO.
- Department Master Chief. The senior enlisted adviser to the DH.
Division Officer (DIVO). The officer head of a division of a department. The DIVO is responsible under the DH for the proper performance of the duties of the division and performance of its subordinates. The DIVO is the enlisted person's first major link in the chain of command.
- Division Chief/Senior Chief. The senior enlisted chief of a division.
Leading Petty Officer (LPO). The senior enlisted petty officer of a division.
Work Center Supervisor (WCS). The enlisted supervisor of a division work center or maintenance group. The WCS is responsible to the DH via the DIVO for 3-M System operation within the work center.
Supervisor. The sailor in charge (usually a petty officer) of a small group of sailors, such as a work detail or a watch section.
Sailor. A sailor is only responsible for his or her own actions and behaviors, except when the sailor’s watch or job assignment charges the sailor with added responsibilities. However, these added responsibilities only apply while the sailor is carrying out these specific duties.
