Commander

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A commander is the fifth lowest rank of commissioned officer in most naval organizations.

Contents 1 Historical Context 2 Starfleet Usage 3 Other Usage 3.1 Bajoran Defense Force Navy 3.2 Rikon Defense Force 4 See Also

Historical Context

As explained under "captain", the lower grades of captains were originally styled "master and commander" and commanded small ships of war. The title was introduced in England by William III and was originally "commanduer." The British Navy in 1827 first appointed commanders as second in command on large ships. The title was introduced in the US Navy in 1838 when the law read that "master commandants" should be known as "commander." The pay bill approved March 3, 1835, recognized the new title. A commander was originally supposed "to command vessels of the third and fourth classes (rates); may be employed as chief of staff to a commodore, or duty under a bureau; or as aide to a flag officer of either grade on shore stations."

Starfleet Usage

In Starfleet, commanders are usually positioned as division chiefs or executive officers on heavy cruisers. Commanders are also placed in command of light cruisers or destroyers. The abbreviation for a commander in Starfleet is CDR.

Starfleet used the following rank insignia to denote this rank of officer:

Period	2410-Present	2373-2410	2368-2373	2365-2373	2352-2365	2280-2352	2270-2280	2255-2270
Insignia

Other Usage

Some military and paramilitary groups use the rank "commander" in their organizations:

Bajoran Defense Force Navy

Grade	Rank	Insignia (Sleeve)
O-5	Commander

Rikon Defense Force

Grade	Rank	Insignia (Shoulderboard)
O-5	Commander

See Also

• Starfleet Ranks

Starfleet Rank Structure
Grade	Enlisted		Training	Officer
1	PVT	CREC	MID4	2LT	ENS
2	PFC	CAPP	MID3	1LT	LTJG
3	LCPL	CRMN	MID2	CPT	LT
4	CPL	PO3	MID1	MAJ	LCDR
5	SGT	PO2	OC	LTCOL	CDR
6	SSGT	PO1		COL	CAPT CDRE
7	GYSGT	CPO		BRGEN	BADM
8	MSGT	SCPO		MAJGEN	RADM
9	MGYSGT SGTMAJ	MCPO		LTGEN	VADM
10	SGTMAJOS	MCPOS		GEN	ADM
11					GADM