What is the rank designation of the rescuer Charles W. Sexton who was posthumously awarded for a Sea King rescue in 1991?

What is the rank designation of the rescuer Charles W. Sexton who was posthumously awarded for a Sea King rescue in 1991?

• A. MK1
• B. SK2
• C. PO3
• D. EN3

Answer: (A)

This question hinges on how Navy rate abbreviations and seniority levels are written. MK is the code for Machinist’s Mate, the rating responsible for mechanical and propulsion systems, including aircraft engines and related equipment on helicopters. The numeral “1” (First Class) signals a senior enlisted level, equivalent to a higher pay grade within that rating. So, the rank designation that matches Charles W. Sexton’s posthumous Sea King rescue record is Machinist’s Mate First Class, written as MK1. Storekeeper Second Class (SK2) and Engineman Third Class (EN3) refer to different ratings, while Petty Officer Third Class (PO3) denotes a different pay grade within a separate lineage of ranks. These do not align with Sexton’s documented rating.

This question hinges on how Navy rate abbreviations and seniority levels are written. MK is the code for Machinist’s Mate, the rating responsible for mechanical and propulsion systems, including aircraft engines and related equipment on helicopters. The numeral “1” (First Class) signals a senior enlisted level, equivalent to a higher pay grade within that rating. So, the rank designation that matches Charles W. Sexton’s posthumous Sea King rescue record is Machinist’s Mate First Class, written as MK1.

Storekeeper Second Class (SK2) and Engineman Third Class (EN3) refer to different ratings, while Petty Officer Third Class (PO3) denotes a different pay grade within a separate lineage of ranks. These do not align with Sexton’s documented rating.