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From: hampe@nas.nasa.gov (Andrew F. Hampe)
Newsgroups: sci.military
Subject: Re: Questions about rank
Message-ID: <1990Oct24.115316.4553@cbnews.att.com>
Date: 24 Oct 90 11:53:16 GMT
References: <1990Oct15.034011.13332@cbnews.att.com> <1990Oct16.010922.11162@cbnews.att.com>
Sender: military-request@att.att.com
Organization: Numerical Aerodynamic Simulation Facility NASA
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From: hampe@nas.nasa.gov (Andrew F. Hampe)
In regards the matter of ship board command in the US Navy
there is the notion "of the Line" which seperates not only
officers but enlisted. Thus the Dental Officier, like the
supply officier can not succede to command the ship/boat, as
they are NOT Line Officiers. The 3rd Class Boatswainsmate, (E-4)
on the other hand, is a rate in the Line, and CAN take charge
of the ship/boat. Granted given an Officier aboard, whether
Army, Air Force, marine Corp, Navy(not of the Line) the Baotswain's
mate IS Obliged to defer to the senior Officier aboard for
Military Obligations, But NOT for the "Safety of the Ship/boat."

ciao
drieux

former navy