What is the rank designation for O-3 in the Navy?

The rank designation for O-3 in the Navy is Lieutenant. This rank is an officer position and falls just above the rank of Ensign (O-1) and below that of Lieutenant Commander (O-4). As a Lieutenant, an officer typically has significant responsibility, often serving as department heads or conducting important missions within their unit. The rank also comes with specific duties and leadership expectations, which prepare officers for more advanced positions in the military hierarchy.

In contrast, Lieutenant Commander (O-4) is a higher rank, and Captain (O-6) is even higher, while Chief Warrant Officer refers to a specialized rank and is categorized differently in the Navy's ranking structure. This context helps to clarify the distinction and confirms that the appropriate designation for O-3 is indeed Lieutenant.