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Squadron (naval)




A squadron is usually commanded by a Vice Admiral or a Rear Admiral , but squadrons are sometimes commanded by Commodore s or simply the most senior Captain , depending on the importance of the command. A large squadron will sometimes divided into two or more divisons, each of which might be commanded by a subordinate admiral. Like a Fleet , a squadron is usually, but not necessarily, a permanent formation.

There are several types of squadron:
  • Independent squadrons. In effect, these are formations that are too small to be called a fleet. Independent squadrons may be assigned to and named after a particular ocean or sea, and the admiral commanding the squadron may be the naval commander in chief in that theatre.

  • Temporary sub-divisions of a fleet. 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 . A temporary detachment from a fleet would also be called a squadron.

  • during the


In modern navies, squadrons have tended to become administrative units. Most Navies began to abandon the squadron as a Tactical Formation during the Second World War . The need to provide Capital Ships with the Anti-submarine protection of a Destroyer screen and air cover from an Aircraft Carrier led to the increasing use of ad hoc Task Force s, composed of whichever ships were available for a particular operation.

As Warships have grown larger, the term squadron has gradually replaced the term Flotilla for Formation s of Destroyer s, Frigates and Submarines in many navies.

A naval squadron has no direct equivalent on land, but is, perhaps, the rough equivalent in value of an Army Division .