In the United States Navy, the rank of Chief is a senior enlisted rank, specifically the seventh enlisted rank with the paygrade E-7. It is above Petty Officer First Class and below Senior Chief Petty Officer. Chiefs are highly respected and are in charge of upholding tradition, enforcing discipline, and providing leadership. The full title of a Chief Petty Officer includes their rate and rating, and they are usually addressed as "Chief" by both subordinates and superiors

. The rank of Master Chief Petty Officer is the highest enlisted rank in the naval system, equivalent to Sergeant-Major in the army system