Crewman

Petty Officer>

## Background

"*Crewman, you are demonstrating rank insubordination.*"

– **Lieutenant Tuvok**, 2371 ("Learning Curve")

"*A crewman's right ends where the safety of the ship begins.*"

– **Captain James T. Kirk**, 2267 ("Shore Leave")

**Crewman** was an enlisted rank of often limited responsibility or entry level duties, used by service organizations in various cultures, including Starfleet. In Klingonese, this rank was comparable to the rank of *bekk* in the Klingon Defense Force. (DS9: "Sons and Daughters")

Though not only a rank, the term "crewman" on many occasions was used as a generic term used to refer to any member of a crew, as was the case of Vina, an individual who was listed on the SS *Columbia* expedition as "an adult crewman" in 2236. (TOS: "The Cage") This was especially true of numerous Starfleet crewmen, who, regardless of rank, officers and enlisted personnel alike, were referred to as "crewman". (TOS: "Catspaw"; VOY: "Equinox, Part II"; et al.) Captain James T. Kirk referred to Yeoman Teresa Ross as a "crewwoman" when discouraging Trelane's attentions towards her. (TOS: "The Squire of Gothos")

In both the 22nd century Earth Starfleet and the later 24th century Federation equivalent, the rank of crewman was further broken down into several classes: **crewman, 1st class**; **crewman, 2nd class**; and **crewman, 3rd class**. (ENT: "Singularity", "The Crossing", "Regeneration"; TNG: "The Drumhead") During the late 23rd century, a Starfleet crewman may have also been rated as an **able seaman**. (*Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan*–*Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country*)

In addition, the similar rating of **able crewman** was used during the 22nd century aboard Earth Cargo Service merchant ships, such as those operating under the Earth Cargo Authority. After his less-than-impressive dealings with the Nausicaans in 2151, First Officer Matthew Ryan of the freighter ECS *Fortunate* was demoted to able crewman in order to have to earn back Captain Keene's trust. (ENT: "Fortunate Son")

In 2151, Commander Trip Tucker threatened Lieutenant Malcolm Reed that he was going to "*bust your ass back to crewman, second class for insubordination,*" though Reed countered "*Be my guest. I could use a little less responsibility.*" (ENT: "Shuttlepod One")

Two years later, Captain Jonathan Archer gave Reed the same warning, heeding that "*If I were the kind of captain you think I should be I'd bust your ass back to crewman,*" following Reed's critique of Archer's command style. (ENT: "Minefield")

When Q abducted Captain Jean-Luc Picard in 2365, and described his desire to join the crew of the USS *Enterprise*-D, he expressed being "*Ready and willing. Able to serve...*" Picard interrupted him, inquiring "*What would you do? Would you start as an ordinary crewman?*" (TNG: "Q Who")

After Chakotay and Seven of Nine became romantically involved in 2378, and Seven was injured, Chakotay offered to arrange for her to have extra time to rest, noting that he was in charge of the duty roster. Seven expressed that she felt "*it would be inappropriate to allow our personal relationship to affect your command decisions,*" to which Chakotay agreed they should keep things professional, before asking for her report. Following her report, and in keeping it professional, he told her "*That's good news, Crewman,*" to which she responded "*Yes, sir.*" (VOY: "Endgame")