The Navy’s equivalent of “field-grade” officers in the other military branches under Department of Defense command are its mid-grade Officers, Commander (O-5) and Captain (O-6). The ornamentation on the White Combination Cap worn by mid-grade Commanders and Captains reflects their status in the command chain above junior-grade Officers (Ensigns, Lieutenants junior grade, Lieutenants, and Lieutenant Commanders) and flag officers (O-7 and above).
The visors on caps worn by junior-grade Officers, for instance, has no ornamentation on the visor, while the Commander / Captain cap features a single arc of oak leaves and acorns on both the left and right sides—a design that is doubled on the caps worn by flag officers. Sometimes called “scrambled eggs,” these arcs are embroidered in lustrous gold bullion, and are an instant reminder of the wearer’s status as a mid-grade Navy Officer.
On the black hat band is the Navy’s Officer cap device, worn by all Commissioned and Warrant Officers and consisting of a pair of crossed, fouled gold anchors surmounted by a silver shield upon which a spread eagle is looking to the right. A golden chin strap adorns the cap of all Commissioned and Chief Warrant Officers, double the width of the chin strap worn by Warrant Officers (W-1).
Though originally designed for wear by male Commanders and Captains, this White Combination Cap is now authorized for wear by females in those ranks.
More Items for Captain/Commander Combination Cap
Cap Device
Hatband
Hatband for Female Officer (obsolete)
Gold Chin Strap
U.S. Navy Cap Screw-Buttons
Replacement Crown
Plastic Cover
More Captain/Commander Insignia & Accouterments
Gold Star Sleeve Device
Line Officer Hard Shoulder Boards
Line Officer Soft Shoulder Boards (Epaulets)
Gold Belt Buckle
Gold Coat Buttons
Cuff Links
Tie Tack / Clasp