Ship's company

A ship's company comprises all officers, non-commissioned officers and enlisted personnel aboard a naval vessel. The size of the ship's company (the complement) is the number of people on board, excluding civilians and guests.

An exception to this rule is the definition of ship's company as it applies to U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps personnel assigned to aircraft-capable ships of the U.S. Navy, primarily aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships.

In the case of aircraft carriers of the U.S. Navy, the total ship's complement is divided into three categories:

The number of personnel assigned to the ship's company of a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier averages 3,200 officers and enlisted, while the associated carrier air wing has approximately 2,500 officers and enlisted personnel, and the embarked carrier strike group staff will average 25 to 30 officers and enlisted personnel. By law, the Commanding Officer (CO) of a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier must be either a Naval Aviator or a Naval Flight Officer in the rank of Captain. The carrier's Executive Officer (XO) will also hold identical rank and aeronautical qualifications. Likewise, the Commander of the Carrier Air Wing...known by the nickname of "CAG"...will also be a Naval Aviator or a Naval Flight Officer in the rank of Captain, although the position of CAG could also be held by a Marine Corps Naval Aviator or Naval Flight Officer in the rank of Colonel. Similarly, the Deputy Carrier Air Wing Commander...known as the "DCAG"...will also hold the same rank and qualifications. Both the CO of the aircraft carrier and the CAG report to the embarked Rear Admiral who is the carrier strike group commander.

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