Which Navy rank is indicated by the shoulder insignia of one gold star and one silver anchor?

The correct answer is the rank of Rear Admiral Lower Half. In the United States Navy, the insignia for a Rear Admiral Lower Half consists of a single silver star and a silver anchor. This rank is a one-star admiral position, which is the first level of flag officer status.

The single gold star is commonly confused with the insignia for other ranks, but it specifically denotes the designation of a Rear Admiral Lower Half when paired with the appropriate anchor. This distinction is crucial in understanding the hierarchy within naval ranks, as it marks the transition from senior officers to flag officers, who hold significant command and staff roles within the naval service.

Other ranks mentioned, such as Rear Admiral, Captain, and Commander, each have their own specific insignias, which differ in the number of stars or other symbols. For instance, a full Rear Admiral would have two silver stars, while a Captain would have no stars but features distinctive shoulder boards that indicate their rank. Understanding these insignias is fundamental in recognizing rank and authority within the Navy.