History of United States Navy ratings

In 1797, the first three frigates of the United States were formally launched, bringing about new regulations concerning enlisted seaman ratings[1] The structure, ranks, and enlisted ratings of the early Continental Navy were direct carryovers from the Royal Navy hierarchy of uniforms, ranks, and insignia.

Shipboard warrant officer ranks, such as sailing master, boatswain, carpenter, gunner, and purser, were also copied from the British system.

Informally, the shipboard title of yeoman was also frequently used, even though this would not be an official rating of the United States Navy until 1835.

[N 1] On September 29, 2016, the United States Navy announced a plan to discontinue the enlisted ratings system.

[3][4][5][6][7][8] However, in December of that year, the Navy halted the creation of the proposed NOS, and reinstated the ratings system with immediate effect.