Commanding an aircraft carrier is one of the Navy's most difficult and time-consuming positions. Aircraft carriers are warships with over 5,000 sailors onboard. Because of the vast number of people and the numerous operational tasks that take place on a carrier, there is a necessity for someone to supervise and direct these operations. Like the mayor in a city, the captain provides the essential leadership and organizational structure to ensure the smooth operation of this "floating city."
How does a day in the life of a captain aboard an aircraft carrier typically go?
The captain oversees the ship's functioning and is assisted by a team of senior naval officers. These experienced officers, known as department heads, lead the numerous departments responsible for operations necessary to fulfill the ship's mission.
The carrier's captain in the Navy is considered a line officer and is therefore entrusted with extensive authority over his ship. He is responsible for the overall performance of his ship as well as that of the crew, and as a result, he is granted extensive authority. Ultimately, he is the authority that makes the final choice for his command.
The idea that a ship's captain should have such extensive responsibilities and ultimate accountability date back to the earliest days of command-at-sea when a ship and its crew were frequently cut off from any higher authority for extended periods and the ship's captain was solely responsible for the safety and success of his command. Although today's technology makes it possible for a contemporary carrier to maintain a strong connection with higher authorities, the captain's obligations regarding his crew, the ship, and the mission have not altered significantly.
#usnavy #aircraftcarrier #sailors