View source for Commanding Officer

The commanding officer is usually a [[Captain]] on a starship, an [[Admiral]] on a starbase, or a [[Colonel]] for [[Starfleet Marine Corps|Marines]]. The commanding officer gives orders to his/her crew during the mission. While off on deep space missions, problems may arise that need to be resolved for the mission to continue. It is for this reason that COs of vessels have been given limited powers regarding discipline. In addition to overseeing the day-to-day operation of a starship and to ensure it carries out its intended functions, a Commanding Officer is responsible for submitting a crew evaluation form and weekly ship logs to his/her [[Executive Officer|XO]]. XO notifies vessel COs by sending out the blank form to be completed with all expediency by the CO. Crew evaluations are not the end of the COs duties, however. COs are also responsible for settling disputes among crewmen, promoting and reprimanding officers as needed, and carrying out the orders of [[Starfleet]] Command and his/her starbase command, as well as interpreting and complying with Federation legal and diplomatic directives. As such, a Commanding Officer can be called upon to answer for his own actions and the actions of his crew. In addition, all COs shall maintain accurate records on his or her vessel which should include, but not necessarily be limited to, an up-to-date Ship's Log and Crew Bio File. COs may also chose to recommend their XO's for Commanding Officer positions.