What rank is the CO of the command?

The CO, or Commanding Officer, of a command is typically at the rank of Captain in the Navy. This rank reflects a senior leadership position wherein the individual is responsible for the overall operation, readiness, and welfare of the command and its personnel. A Captain typically commands a larger vessel or installation, indicating a higher level of responsibility and authority.

While other ranks such as Commander, Lieutenant, or Rear Admiral may hold leadership positions, they do not represent the standard rank for a Commanding Officer in a typical command structure. Commanders may lead smaller units or a specific department, Lieutenants are usually at junior officer levels with limited command responsibilities, and Rear Admirals are generally flag officers who oversee multiple commands or regions rather than a singular command unit. Thus, Captain is the most commonly recognized rank for a CO in a naval context.