Tex- You have to go back to the meaning of lieutenant, vice (regent if I
remember
correctly) or in lieu of. in other words one who act for a superior, thus
lieutenant colonel or lieutenant general. That said, I do not remember why
lieutenant starts the officer ranks. BRBR

It doesn't, it starts with "Ensign"...

;i-)
P. C. Chisholm
CDR, USN(ret.)
Old Phart Phormer Phantom, Turkey, Viper, Scooter and Combat Buckeye Phlyer