Which insignia includes a gold shoulder board with 3 silver five-pointed stars?

The insignia with a gold shoulder board featuring three silver five-pointed stars is used to designate the rank of Vice Admiral in the United States Navy. This rank represents a senior officer, typically in charge of major operational commands and higher organizational structures within the Navy. The three stars symbolize significant authority and experience, distinguishing the Vice Admiral from other ranks.

In contrast, Rear Admirals wear a shoulder board that has either one or two stars, indicating a lower rank, while an Admiral has four stars. The Fleet Admiral insignia includes a gold shoulder board with five stars, marking the highest rank in the Navy, designated for wartime circumstances. Hence, the combination of the gold shoulder board and three silver stars is clearly associated with the Vice Admiral rank.