First officer

Executive officer redirects here; for a business chief executive officer, please see CEO.

"Captain, as your exec, it's my duty to point out alternatives."

– Will Decker to James T. Kirk, 2270s (Star Trek: The Motion Picture)

"Commander, we don't have to like each other to work well together. As a matter of fact, I'd like you to continue to keep me on my toes."
"Some might define that as the role of a first officer."

Aboard a starship the first officer or executive officer (or XO) was the second-in-command, just below the captain.

What are the duties of a first officer on a starship? toggle section

The first officer, or 1st officer, on a starship executes the captain's decisions, manages personnel, and oversees resource allocation. As second-in-command, the first officer takes charge when the captain is unavailable. This role is usually filled by a commander or lieutenant commander. Historically, the first officer also led a department, but by the late 24th century, it became a separate role.

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How did Sylvia Tilly become a first officer in the 32nd century? toggle section

Sylvia Tilly became a first officer in the 32nd century, bypassing usual rank requirements due to her exceptional leadership and mission involvement, including the USS Glenn investigation. Her adaptability and skill in various situations facilitated her advancement.

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What is the typical XO rank in Starfleet? toggle section

The usual rank for a first officer (XO) in Starfleet is commander. Spock, the Enterprise's XO, held this rank.

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Why did first officers join landing parties in the 22nd century? toggle section

In the 22nd century, first officers joined landing parties depending on the situation. Their primary role was as department heads, with executive duties secondary. This allowed them to assess planetary conditions directly while the captain stayed on the ship. By the 24th century, first officers usually led away teams, marking a change in protocol.

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How did the role of the first officer change by the 24th century? toggle section

In the 24th century, the first officer's role became a distinct position on starships, separate from other duties. Previously, first officers also served as department heads, but by this time, they focused solely on executive duties. Typically holding the rank of commander or lieutenant commander, the first officer led away teams while the captain stayed on the ship. The XO rank was dedicated to command responsibilities without additional roles.

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Duties[]

In Starfleet, the position was usually held by an officer with the rank of commander or lieutenant commander, but exceptions do exist, such as with Sylvia Tilly in the 32nd century.

In 22nd and 23rd century Starfleet, the first officer would often accompany the captain on landing parties, depending on the situation. By the 24th century, however, it was the first officer who usually led away teams while the captain remained on the ship.

In the 22nd and 23rd centuries, the first officer served as a department head first and the executive officer second (similar to the second officer and third officer) and only took command when the captain left the bridge; as such, there was no first officer's station as there would be in the 24th century, as the XO would alternate between the command chair and their station as a department head.

Noted functions of the first officer aboard a Federation starship were:

The primary role of the second-in-command was to carry out the decisions of the Captain. (TNG: "Gambit, Part II")
- Obey and implement the captain's orders. (TOS: "The Enterprise Incident"; TNG: "Gambit, Part II"; DS9: "Paradise Lost")
- To be informed, insomuch as to know everything the captain knew. (TNG: "Code of Honor") As well as had full security clearance to possess such knowledge. (TNG: "Samaritan Snare")
- Attending important meetings and briefings with the captain. (Star Trek Into Darkness)
- Take command of the vessel in the event of the captain's absence, incapacitation or death. (TOS: "The Squire of Gothos", "Journey to Babel"; VOY: "Before and After", "Scorpion, Part II", "Night", "Tsunkatse", "Unimatrix Zero", "Unimatrix Zero, Part II"; TNG: "The Battle", "The Best of Both Worlds", "The Best of Both Worlds, Part II", "Tapestry", "Gambit, Part I")
To point out any actions that may be mistakes by a commanding officer. (Star Trek: The Motion Picture, TNG: "Chain Of Command, Part II", "The Pegasus"; DS9: "Paradise Lost", "To the Death" VOY: "Alliances", "Scorpion", "Year of Hell", "The Omega Directive", "Night", "Infinite Regress", "Equinox, Part II", "Unimatrix Zero", "Shattered")
To safeguard the lives of the ship's crew, particularly the captain. (TNG: "In Theory" VOY: "Shattered")
Act as the officer in charge of personnel. (VOY: "Day of Honor")
- Preparing and issuing duty rosters. (VOY: "The Gift", "Tsunkatse", "Endgame")
  - Following the promotion of Acting Ensign Wesley Crusher in 2364, Captain Jean-Luc Picard told Crusher, that while he waited for his acceptance into Starfleet Academy, "you will learn this ship–every operation, every function," and that Commander William Riker would prepare a duty schedule for him, "heavy on study". (TNG: "Where No One Has Gone Before")
  - According to Captain Kathryn Janeway, if a member of the crew needs to leave their post, they are required to inform the first officer. (VOY: "Human Error")
- Coordinate personnel transfers between departments. (TNG: "Lessons")
- Working with the chief medical officer or counselor on crew evaluations, (TNG: "Man Of The People", "Lower Decks") as well as crew discipline. (VOY: "Lifesigns")
- Supervise subordinates.
  - When Hoshi Sato requested the help of T'Pol, Sato expressed her frustration with how frequently T'Pol was looking over her shoulder, double-checking her log entries, and translations. While T'Pol felt she was just doing her job, and explained how she held Sato to a high standard because "I know you're capable of achieving it." (ENT: "Vox Sola")
Managing the ship's resources, including systems allocation. (TNG: "Lessons")

Aboard a Klingon warship, the first officer served the Captain, but stood for the crew. They also reviewed and kept the ship's record of battle. (DS9: "Soldiers of the Empire")