Who does CHENG report to?

The Chief Engineer (CHENG) holds a critical position within the engineering department of a naval ship or shore activity, and their reporting structure is essential to understand. In this context, the CHENG directly reports to the Commanding Officer (CO) of the ship or command. This relationship is vital because the CO is responsible for overall command and operations, including the technical and operational readiness of the vessel, which heavily relies on the effective management and operation of its engineering systems.

The CHENG's duties involve ensuring that the engineering plant is functioning correctly, managing personnel in the engineering division, and maintaining compliance with safety and operational standards. By reporting to the CO, the CHENG is able to directly influence decisions that affect the operational capacity and safety of the entire ship, ensuring that engineering considerations are integrated into broader tactical and strategic operations.

Understanding this reporting relationship emphasizes the importance of effective communication and coordination between the engineering department and command leadership, which is crucial for mission success.