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{{Short description|Largest naval formation of warships controlled by a single leader}}
{{Refimprove|date=November 2016}}
{{More citations needed|date=December 2023}}
[[Image:Fleet 5 nations.jpg|thumb|right|300px|A rare occurrence of a 5-country multinational fleet, during ''[[Operation Enduring Freedom]]'' in the Oman Sea. In four descending columns, from left to right: [[Maestrale class frigate|ITS ''Maestrale'']] (F 570), [[FS De Grasse|FS ''De Grasse'']] (D 612); [[USS John C. Stennis|USS ''John C. Stennis'']] (CVN 74), [[FS Charles de Gaulle|FS ''Charles De Gaulle'']] (R 91), [[Surcouf (F711)|FS ''Surcouf'']] (F 711); [[USS Port Royal (CG-73)|USS ''Port Royal'']] (CG-73), [[HMS Ocean (L12)|HMS ''Ocean'']] (L 12), [[USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67)|USS ''John F. Kennedy'']] (CV 67), [[Hr. Ms. Van Amstel|HNLMS ''Van Amstel'']] (F 831); and [[Durand De la Penne class destroyer|ITS ''Luigi Durand de la Penne'']] (D 560).]]
[[Image:Fleet 5 nations.jpg|thumb|right|300px|A rare occurrence of a 5-country multinational fleet, during [[Operation Enduring Freedom]] in the Oman Sea. In four descending columns, from left to right: {{ship|Italian frigate|Maestrale|F 570|2}}, {{ship|French frigate|De Grasse|D 612|2}}; {{USS|John C. Stennis}}, {{ship|French aircraft carrier|Charles de Gaulle||2}}, {{ship|French frigate|Surcouf||2}}; {{USS|Port Royal|CG-73|6}}, {{HMS|Ocean|L12|6}}, {{USS|John F. Kennedy|CV-67|6}}, {{HNLMS|Van Amstel|F831|6}} ; and {{ship|Italian destroyer|Luigi Durand de la Penne||2}}]]
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{{Naval units}}


A '''fleet''' or '''naval fleet''' is a large [[formation (military)|formation]] of [[warships]], which is controlled by one leader<ref>http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fleet</ref> and the largest formation in any [[navy]]. A fleet at [[sea]] is the direct equivalent of an [[army]] on land.
A '''fleet''' or '''naval fleet''' is a large [[formation (military)|formation]] of [[warship]]s – the largest formation in any [[navy]] – controlled by one leader.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fleet|title=Definition of FLEET|website=www.merriam-webster.com|access-date=8 April 2018}}</ref> A fleet at [[sea]] is the direct equivalent of an [[Field army|army]] on land.


==Purpose==
==Purpose==
Fleets are usually, but not necessarily, permanent formations and are generally assigned to a particular [[ocean]] or [[sea]]. Most fleets are named after that ocean or sea, but the convention in the [[United States Navy]] is to use numbers.
In the modern sense, fleets are usually, but not necessarily, permanent formations and are generally assigned to a particular [[ocean]] or [[sea]]. Most fleets are named after that ocean or sea, but the convention in the [[United States Navy]] is to use numbers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=DeSimone |first=Danielle |date=8 October 2021 |title=How Many Navy Fleets Does the U.S. Have? And Other Facts About One of the World's Biggest Navies |url=https://www.uso.org/stories/3152-how-many-navy-fleets-does-the-u-s-have-and-other-facts-about-one-of-the-world-s-biggest-navies |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.ph/cGTN0 |archive-date=18 December 2024 |access-date=18 December 2024 |website=United Service Organizations}}</ref>


A fleet is normally commanded by an [[fleet admiral|admiral]], who is often also a [[commander in chief]], but many fleets have been or are commanded by [[vice admiral]]s or even [[rear admiral]]s. Most fleets are divided into several [[Squadron (naval)|squadrons]], each under a subordinate admiral. Those squadrons in turn are often divided into divisions. In the [[age of sail]], fleets were divided into van, centre and rear squadrons, named after each squadron’s place in the [[line of battle]]. In more modern times, the squadrons are typically composed of homogeneous groups of the same class of [[warship]], such as [[battleships]] or [[cruisers]].
A fleet is typically commanded by an [[fleet admiral|admiral]], who is often also a [[commander in chief]]. Still, many fleets have been or are commanded by [[vice admiral]]s or [[rear admiral]]s. Most fleets are divided into several [[Squadron (naval)|squadrons]], each under a subordinate admiral. Those squadrons, in turn, are often divided into divisions. In the [[Age of Sail]], Royal Navy fleets were divided into van, center, and rear squadrons, named after each squadron's place in the [[line of battle]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Talbot |first=Melvin |date=May 1938 |title=The Battleship: Her Evolution and Her Present Place in the Scheme of Naval War |url=https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/1938/may/battleship-her-evolution-and-her-present-place-scheme-naval-war |url-status=live |access-date=18 December 2024 |website=U.S. Naval Institute}}</ref> In more modern times, the squadrons are typically composed of homogeneous groups of the same class of [[warship]], such as [[battleship]]s or [[cruiser]]s.


Since many smaller [[navy|navies]] only contain a single fleet, the term ''the fleet'' is often synonymous with ''the navy''.
Since many smaller [[navy|navies]] contain a single fleet, the term ''the fleet'' is often synonymous with ''the navy''.


Multinational fleets are not uncommon in naval history. For example, several nations made up the [[Holy League (Mediterranean)|Holy League]] [[Battle of Lepanto order of battle|fleet]] at the [[Battle of Lepanto (1571)|Battle of Lepanto]] in 1571. In modern times, [[NATO]] has formed standing combined fleets and operations from several national navies such as [[Operation Active Endeavour]].
Multinational fleets are not uncommon in naval history. For example, several nations made up the [[Holy League (Mediterranean)|Holy League]] [[Battle of Lepanto order of battle|fleet]] at the [[Battle of Lepanto (1571)|Battle of Lepanto]] in 1571,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jerry |first=Brotton |date=5 February 2020 |title=The battle of Lepanto: when Ottoman forces clashed with Christians |url=https://www.historyextra.com/period/tudor/lepanto-naval-battle-ottoman-christians-1571/ |url-status=live |access-date=18 December 2024 |website=History Extra}}</ref> and a Franco-Spanish fleet faced the British [[Royal Navy]] at the [[Battle of Trafalgar]] in 1805.<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 December 2024 |title=Battle of Trafalgar |url=https://www.britannica.com/event/Battle-of-Trafalgar-European-history |url-status=live |access-date=18 December 2024 |website=Britannica}}</ref> In modern times, [[NATO]] has formed standing combined fleets and operations from several national navies such as [[Operation Active Endeavour]].


==The modern fleet==
==Modern fleets==
<!-- Probs talk about how battleships fell out of favor here -->
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Modern fleets combine [[Surface combatant|surface warships]], [[submarine]]s, support ships, and ship-based aircraft to conduct naval operations at sea. The largest naval powers operate [[aircraft carrier]]s as their fleets' primary capital ships, with battleships having become obsolete since the Second World War.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Axe |first=David |date=28 November 2015 |title=Why Did Battleships Become Obsolete? |url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/the-ultimate-weapon-no-more-why-did-battleships-become-14462 |url-status=live |website=The National Interest}}</ref> These formations are typically organised as [[carrier battle group]]s, with the task force centred around the aircraft carrier and its complement of aircraft. Modern fleets such as these (and those without carriers) are generally understood to be [[Blue-water navy|blue water]], or oceanic, [[Green-water navy|green water]], or [[littoral]] fleets as opposed to [[Brown-water navy|brown water]] or coastal/riverine forces. The fleets of larger navies are usually divided into smaller numbered or named fleets based on geographic operating areas or administrative groupings of the same type of ships.


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Modern fleets are usually administrative units. Individual [[task force]]s are formed to conduct specific operations.
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Modern fleets combine [[Surface combatant|surface warships]], [[submarines]], support ships and ship-based aircraft to conduct naval operations at sea. Generally understood to be the [[Blue-water navy|blue water]], or oceanic, [[Green-water navy|green water]] or [[littoral]] versus the [[Brown-water navy|brown water]] or coastal/riverine forces. The fleets of larger navies are usually divided into smaller numbered or named fleets based on geographic operating areas or on administrative groupings of same type ships.


In fictional literary works and/or media, most notably in [[science fiction]], the term 'fleet' has also been used for a group of space-faring vessels used for interstellar travel.
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Modern fleets are usually administrative units. Typically, individual [[task force]]s are formed to conduct specific operations.


==See also==
==See also==
* [[list of fleets]]
* [[List of fleets]]


==References==
==References==
{{Commons category|Fleets}}
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


{{Authority control}}
==External links==
{{Commonscat-inline|Fleets}}

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{{Naval units}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Naval Fleet}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Naval Fleet}}

Latest revision as of 14:09, 19 December 2024

A rare occurrence of a 5-country multinational fleet, during Operation Enduring Freedom in the Oman Sea. In four descending columns, from left to right: Maestrale, De Grasse; USS John C. Stennis, Charles de Gaulle, Surcouf; USS Port Royal, HMS Ocean, USS John F. Kennedy, HNLMS Van Amstel ; and Luigi Durand de la Penne

A fleet or naval fleet is a large formation of warships – the largest formation in any navy – controlled by one leader.[1] A fleet at sea is the direct equivalent of an army on land.

Purpose

[edit]

In the modern sense, fleets are usually, but not necessarily, permanent formations and are generally assigned to a particular ocean or sea. Most fleets are named after that ocean or sea, but the convention in the United States Navy is to use numbers.[2]

A fleet is typically commanded by an admiral, who is often also a commander in chief. Still, many fleets have been or are commanded by vice admirals or rear admirals. Most fleets are divided into several squadrons, each under a subordinate admiral. Those squadrons, in turn, are often divided into divisions. In the Age of Sail, Royal Navy fleets were divided into van, center, and rear squadrons, named after each squadron's place in the line of battle.[3] In more modern times, the squadrons are typically composed of homogeneous groups of the same class of warship, such as battleships or cruisers.

Since many smaller navies contain a single fleet, the term the fleet is often synonymous with the navy.

Multinational fleets are not uncommon in naval history. For example, several nations made up the Holy League fleet at the Battle of Lepanto in 1571,[4] and a Franco-Spanish fleet faced the British Royal Navy at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.[5] In modern times, NATO has formed standing combined fleets and operations from several national navies such as Operation Active Endeavour.

Modern fleets

[edit]

Modern fleets combine surface warships, submarines, support ships, and ship-based aircraft to conduct naval operations at sea. The largest naval powers operate aircraft carriers as their fleets' primary capital ships, with battleships having become obsolete since the Second World War.[6] These formations are typically organised as carrier battle groups, with the task force centred around the aircraft carrier and its complement of aircraft. Modern fleets such as these (and those without carriers) are generally understood to be blue water, or oceanic, green water, or littoral fleets as opposed to brown water or coastal/riverine forces. The fleets of larger navies are usually divided into smaller numbered or named fleets based on geographic operating areas or administrative groupings of the same type of ships.

Modern fleets are usually administrative units. Individual task forces are formed to conduct specific operations.

In fictional literary works and/or media, most notably in science fiction, the term 'fleet' has also been used for a group of space-faring vessels used for interstellar travel.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Fleets.
  1. ^ "Definition of FLEET". www.merriam-webster.com. Retrieved 8 April 2018.
  2. ^ DeSimone, Danielle (8 October 2021). "How Many Navy Fleets Does the U.S. Have? And Other Facts About One of the World's Biggest Navies". United Service Organizations. Archived from the original on 18 December 2024. Retrieved 18 December 2024.
  3. ^ Talbot, Melvin (May 1938). "The Battleship: Her Evolution and Her Present Place in the Scheme of Naval War". U.S. Naval Institute. Retrieved 18 December 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  4. ^ Jerry, Brotton (5 February 2020). "The battle of Lepanto: when Ottoman forces clashed with Christians". History Extra. Retrieved 18 December 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  5. ^ "Battle of Trafalgar". Britannica. 18 December 2024. Retrieved 18 December 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  6. ^ Axe, David (28 November 2015). "Why Did Battleships Become Obsolete?". The National Interest.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
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