Current Navy ranks are Recruit; Apprentice (Seaman or Airman), and Seaman or Airman, designated as SN or AN. Once a rating is attained, the rating ID goes before the rank; i.e. PHAN for Photographer Airman. Ordinary Seaman is still used in the Merchant Marine, but has not been used in the NAvy since shortly after the WBTS, when Petty Officer ranks were made permanent, using first, second and third class petty officers. As specialties were addeeed, they became part of the rank designation. Chief Petty Officer was established in 1893. Stan