Ensign

An ensign is a junior officer rank in many navies, including the U.S. Navy. It is typically the first officer rank, serving as a recently commissioned officer responsible for overseeing daily operations on a ship or submarine. Ensigns hold leadership roles but are still gaining experience. The rank signifies a transition from training to full operational authority. The term also refers to a national flag used on ships to indicate nationality. Overall, an ensign represents the beginning of a commissioned officer's career in naval service.