What is an xo on a submarine?

What is an XO on a Submarine?

The term "XO" is an acronym that stands for Executive Officer, and when applied to a submarine, it refers to the second-in-command of the vessel. The XO is responsible for overseeing the daily operations and management of the submarine, reporting directly to the Commanding Officer (CO).

Primary Responsibilities

As the senior officer on board, the XO is responsible for several critical tasks, including:

• Watchstanding: The XO is responsible for keeping watch, ensuring that the submarine is properly aligned with its assigned mission objectives, and making decisions about the vessel’s course, speed, and depth.

• Administration: The XO is responsible for administrative duties, such as supervising the crew, overseeing shipboard maintenance, and handling personnel matters.

• Operations: The XO works closely with the Commanding Officer to plan and execute submarine operations, including patrol planning, mission coordination, and communication with command headquarters.

• Navigation: The XO is involved in navigation, ensuring the submarine stays on course, and making decisions about navigational changes, such as changing depth or course to avoid obstacles.

Types of XO’s

While the primary responsibilities of the XO remain the same across various submarine platforms, the type of XO can differ depending on the specific type of submarine:

• Ballistic Missile Submarine (SSBN) XO: In this role, the XO is responsible for managing the submarine’s crew, ensuring the vessel’s ability to conduct deterrence and strategic deterrence missions.

• Attack Submarine (SSN) XO: The XO on an SSN is responsible for conducting anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, as well as supporting various missions, such as Special Forces operations.

• Guided Missile Submarine (SSGN) XO: The XO on an SSGN is responsible for managing the submarine’s cruise missile capability, working closely with command headquarters to develop and execute strike operations.

Requirements and Training

To become an XO on a submarine, candidates typically need to meet certain requirements:

• Navy experience: Typically, an XO candidate will have at least 12 years of service and extensive experience on submarines or other naval vessels.

• Education: An XO typically holds a bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field, such as naval engineering, operations research, or logistics.

• Qualifications: XO candidates need to hold specific submarine certifications, such as Surface Warfare Officer (SWO), Submarine Warfare Officer (SWO), or Navigation Officer (NO) certification.

• Leadership training: XO candidates participate in leadership training, including the Submarine Executive Officer Course, where they learn critical skills for success in this role.

Conclusion

In summary, the XO on a submarine is the second-in-command, responsible for overseeing the daily operations and management of the vessel. They are responsible for watchstanding, administration, operations, and navigation, and report directly to the Commanding Officer. While the role remains the same across different types of submarines, XO candidates must meet specific requirements and undergo extensive training to ensure success in this demanding and critical position.

Key Takeaways

• An XO on a submarine is the second-in-command and reports directly to the Commanding Officer.
• Primary responsibilities include watchstanding, administration, operations, and navigation.
• There are different types of XO’s, including those specializing in ballistic missile, attack, and guided missile submarines.
• XO candidates need extensive Navy experience, specific submarine certifications, and education and training in leadership.

Table: XO Primary Responsibilities

Table: Types of XO’s

Note: Tables may not display correctly on all devices.