The Second Officer is third in command of a Starship or Space Station and usually holds the rank of Lieutenant Commander or above (although there can be exceptions). The 2O is usually a Department Head (DH) of their respective assignments. Their duty as DH comes first, before their position as second officer. On most ships/stations it is standard procedure that the 2O will accompany the Away Team on missions.
If for any reason the XO or CO are unable to discharge their duties, the Second Officer is expected to take over ships responsibilities until relieved by a ranking officer.
List of 2Os in Star Trek series[]
- Montgomery Scott (TOS)
- Data (TNG)
- Jadzia Dax (DS9)
- Tuvok (VOY)
- Charles "Trip" Tucker III (ENT)