A sailor may be deprived of liberty by which of the following authorities?

The correct choice is grounded in military regulations and the chain of command within the naval establishment. The authority to deprive a sailor of liberty is generally reserved for those in higher positions of command, specifically the commanding officer or officer in charge. These individuals have been given the responsibility and discretion to make significant decisions regarding personnel management, including the ability to restrict liberty based on operational needs, disciplinary actions, or other considerations that may arise within the naval environment.

The commanding officer or officer in charge is typically the only authority that can enforce such a decision due to their understanding of the broader implications for the unit and the legal responsibilities associated with making such a call. This ensures a level of accountability and proper chain of command is maintained, which is essential for discipline and order in military operations.

While other ranks, such as Chief Petty Officers or First Class Petty Officers, play important roles in leadership and decision-making, they do not possess the authority to officially deprive a sailor of liberty. Their responsibilities are often more centered on mentorship and direct supervision of personnel rather than the enforcement of liberty restrictions, which is why they are not recognized as having this specific authority. Furthermore, while any officer present may have the ability to recommend actions, only the appropriate commanding officers possess