Starshina 1st class

Starshina 1st class (Старшина́ пе́рвой статьи́) is a rank used by the Russian Navy and a number of former communist states. The rank is a non-commissioned officer and is equivalent to sergeant in armies and air forces. Within NATO forces, the rank is rated as OR-6 and is equivalent to petty officer first class in English speaking navies.

Russia
The rank was introduced to the Soviet Navy on 2 November 1940.

In the navy of the Russian Federation there are four ranks in the petty officer career group:
 * Glavny starshina of the ship
 * Glavny starshina
 * Starshina 1st class
 * Starshina 2nd class