US Coast Guard Cutters?

Question

Who navigates larger vessels (cutters, tugs, icebreakers) in the USCG? I know some enlisted sailors can operate small vessels... but are they the ones operating the bigger ones as well? Or is that a job of an officer? If so, what kind of officer would hold that position?

Answer 1

Tugs are operated by enlisted men.  Cutters and ice breakers are operated by Captains, and sometimes by Admirals.

Enlisted men might be trained in how to operate the machinery, but the navigation and responsibility of a ship is always entrusted to an officer.