XO

XO

The XO is the Executive Officer aboard a Starship or Naval Installation. the executive officer, also known as the XO, first officer, or first mate, is the designated second-in-command aboard a ship.

On smaller ships, there may be no need for an executive officer, and the commanding officer will handle the duties of the executive officer.

The XO is the right hand of the Captain and manages much of the daily tasks. The XO is supported in this by the OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT (OPS) and the department head the OPS - Officer. (The OPS Duty stationa board Union ships is nicknamed "XO's Desk")

Excetutive Officers in the United Stars Navy are distinquished officers who usually, but not always have already completed the 2 years of Command School at Annapolis Center (or any of the Schools 12 branches) and has served at least one year as OPS officer aboard a space going vessel.

The most important task of the XO is to enact on the "Devil's Advocate" Doctrine of the Navy. In the early days it was simply expected that a XO acts as a voice of caution or common sense in situations where the Captain of a Ship might order unusual actions. This has has been developed into the Devil's Advocate Doctrine" and Union XO's are measured and evaluated by their frank and open analysis of Captain's orders and if neccessary voicing an objection. (Of course once the Captain made a decission and issued an order it is no longer a valid doctrine) The XO' Log is the only document aboard a ship, the Captain cannot see and has no access too. The XO Log is evaluated seperatley by a designated Commission of Honorably retired Executive Officers (the HOREX Commision) and only if they evaluate it positivley and make the Horex recommendation to Fleet Command, an Officer is offered a Command seat (Becoming a Starship Captain)

The XO is also responsible for the Quatermaster Office aboard a Ship. The XO has the right to arrest the Captain if 4 Senior Officers including the CMO sign XO-DDocument 99. Envoking Order 99 and completing Form 99 is the most serious act an XO can make and will always result in Courtr Martial procedures (either against the arrested Captain or the XO)

[[Category:X]]