Ship’s Company
The Departments
A carrier is a city at sea, and it runs on its departments — from the flight deck to the galley to the engine rooms. Here is how Constellation was organized, and what each one did.
20
Departments
6
Groups
~5,000
Crew & Air Wing
Flight Operations2 departments
Air DepartmentThe department that launches, recovers, and moves every aircraft on the ship.AIMDThe shipboard repair shops that keep the air wing's aircraft and gear flying.
Combat & Operations2 departments
Operations DepartmentThe department that gathers, sorts, and acts on information — the ship's eyes, ears, and air-traffic control.Weapons DepartmentThe department that stows, maintains, and moves the ship's and the air wing's ordnance.
Engineering & Seamanship4 departments
Engineering DepartmentThe department that drives the ship and keeps the power, water, and machinery alive.Deck DepartmentThe seamanship department — lines, anchors, boats, and underway replenishment.Navigation DepartmentThe department that knows exactly where the ship is and where she's going.Maintenance & 3-MThe system that keeps the whole ship's maintenance honest.
Supply & Services2 departments
Supply DepartmentThe department that feeds, pays, clothes, and supplies five thousand people at sea.Ship's Services & HabitabilityThe divisions that keep the crew's living spaces livable.
Crew & Care4 departments
Medical DepartmentThe ship's hospital, surgeons, and corpsmen.Dental DepartmentThe dentists and technicians who keep the crew fit to serve.ChaplainThe ship's ministry and a confidential ear for the whole crew.Legal DepartmentMilitary justice and legal assistance aboard ship.
Command & Administration6 departments
Executive DepartmentThe department that runs the ship's internal life and administration.Communications DepartmentThe department that keeps the ship in contact with the fleet and the world.Security DepartmentThe ship's law-enforcement and master-at-arms force.Safety DepartmentThe watch over a ship full of hazards.Training DepartmentThe department that keeps the crew qualified and ready.Marine Detachment (MARDET)The embarked Marines — ship's security, ceremony, and tradition.
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