First is the First Watch Officer (IWO or 1WO). Yes, the nazi. He is an Oberleutnant, and the only other man of that rank is the Chief Engineer, who, being an engineer is not in the command chain at all. Second, of course, is the Second Watch Officer. Krichbaum's position is Obersteurmann, but his rank is only Oberfanrich sur See (similar to an American Ensign). In the book he was older than the two officers senior to him but joined late, hence the low rank. The captain respects him and asks for advice from time to time, but this is also partly to encourage him to strive for higher rank and not just wait out the war.
Even the Fanrich (Midshipman) Ullmann outranks the Chief as far as command structure goes.
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“Never do anything you can't take back.”
—Rocky Russo
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