Also known as a “mustang”. Some of the best officers are prior enlisted who had reached the rank of E-6 or above. Experience and having watched the politics that Academy officers play makes them good at bucking the politics so that the crew can get the job done.
My son is a mustang. Wanted to finish his degree enlisted, but Navy changed rules for acquiring/paying for college credit hours: his ship had to be at sea. His ship was in drydock for over 4 years.
After 6 years enlisted and about to make E-7, he left, got degree in Mechanical Engineering on GI Bill, took degree back to Navy: “You guarantee me flight school in writing, and I’ll come back to OCS.”
They did. He’s a Navy helo pilot now deployed, full Lt.
Yes - I’m proud dad. My uncle was a Navy pilot, my dad an O-6 in Reserves.