Crossword Genius

Naval craft to change direction for officer (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

subaltern

'for officer' is the definition.
(subaltern is a kind of officer)

'naval craft to change direction' is the wordplay.
'naval craft' becomes 'sub' (submarine).
'to change' becomes 'alter' (synonyms).
'direction' becomes 'N' (N is an example).
'sub'+'alter'+'n'='SUBALTERN'

(Other definitions for subaltern that I've seen before include "Lesser official" , "Army officer below the rank of captain" , "Junior officer" .)

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