Who has the ultimate authority on a Navy ship?

The Captain has the ultimate authority on a Navy ship. In the hierarchy of naval command, the Captain is responsible for the overall operations, management, and mission of the vessel. This includes ensuring the safety of the crew and the ship, making critical decisions regarding navigation and combat operations, and representing the ship to external authorities. The Captain is also entrusted with the authority to enforce regulations and issue orders that must be followed by all personnel on board.

While the Executive Officer assists the Captain and may take command in their absence, this role does not come with the same level of authority as the Captain. The Chief Petty Officer typically plays a key role in managing the enlisted crew and providing technical expertise, but they do not have command authority. The Navigation Officer focuses on the ship's navigation and ensures that the vessel follows safe and efficient courses, but they report to the Captain and are not responsible for overall command. Thus, the defining role of the Captain encompasses both authority and accountability for the effectiveness and safety of the ship and its crew, establishing them as the ultimate decision-maker on board.