A squadron , or naval squadron , is a significant group of warships which is nonetheless considered too small to be designated a fleet . A squadron is typically a part of a fleet. Between different navies there are no clear defining parameters to distinguish a squadron from a fleet (or from a flotilla ), and the size and strength of a naval squadron varies greatly according to the country and time period. Groups of small warships, or small groups of major warships, might instead be designated flotillas by some navies according to their terminology. Since the size of a naval squadron varies greatly, the rank associated with command of a squadron also varies greatly.
6-456: The French language term escadre refers to a naval or military aviation unit equivalent to the English language terms : squadron (naval) wing (air force) (e.g. United States Air Force) group (air force) (e.g. Royal Air Force) Topics referred to by the same term [REDACTED] This disambiguation page lists articles associated with
12-480: 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 the carrier battle group , or ad hoc task forces , composed of whichever ships were available for a particular operation. As warships have grown larger, the term squadron has gradually replaced
18-477: A specific mission such as coastal defense , blockade , or minesweeping . In the United States Navy , the term squadron has always been used for formations of destroyers and submarines. A fleet is usually commanded by a flag officer such as a vice admiral or a rear admiral , but squadrons are sometimes commanded by commodores or simply the most senior captain (often one and the same), depending on
24-483: The entire fleet of the Royal Navy was divided into three squadrons, the red, the white, and the blue . Each Royal Navy squadron alone was more powerful than most national navies. Today, a squadron might number three to ten vessels, which might be major warships , transport ships , submarines , or small craft in a larger task force or a fleet . A squadron may be composed of one type of ship of various types tasked with
30-403: The importance of the command. A large squadron will sometimes be divided into two or more divisions, each of which might be commanded by a subordinate captain. Like a fleet , a squadron is usually, but not necessarily, a permanent formation. There are several types of squadron: In modern navies, squadrons have tended to become administrative units. Most navies began to abandon the squadron as
36-460: The title Escadre . If an internal link led you here, you may wish to change the link to point directly to the intended article. Retrieved from " https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Escadre&oldid=721347914 " Category : Disambiguation pages Hidden categories: Short description is different from Wikidata All article disambiguation pages All disambiguation pages Squadron (naval) Before 1864
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