What rank did James T. Kirk hold while commanding the Enterprise in the original series? The answer is Captain. William Shatner’s Kirk is the commanding officer of the USS Enterprise in Star Trek: The Original Series, which aired from 1966 to 1969. His authority over the ship and crew is reflected in the familiar title “Captain Kirk.”
The series follows Kirk during a five-year mission, although the televised story depicts only part of that assignment. His first officer is Spock, a lieutenant commander or commander depending on the season, while Dr. Leonard McCoy serves as chief medical officer. Kirk’s command style combines Starfleet discipline with a willingness to bend regulations when he believes his crew or a mission is at risk.
The main confusion comes from Kirk’s later career. In Star Trek: The Motion Picture, he is an admiral serving as Chief of Starfleet Operations before taking command of the Enterprise again. He is later demoted to captain in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home. Those later ranks do not change his rank during the original television series: he was Captain Kirk.