Task Unit (Naval unit)

A Naval Task Unit is a squadron-sized sub-division of a Naval Task Group, comprised of multiple small vessels assembled around a primary mission vessel (or vessels) as squadron leader in an ad hoc fashion for direct mission support in order to work together toward a specific mission objective.

Description

A Naval Task Unit is an operational sub-division of a Naval Task Group, built up from multiple independent vessels for the purpose of accomplishing a particular naval mission objective. As an operational unit it is typically assembled from different vessel types that mutually support one another and the task flag ship and its primary mission, whereas the similarly sized squadron is typically composed uniformly of vessels of like type. Task Units will typically be commanded by an acting Flag Officer with the rank of Commodore (2nd Class), or a full Captain (or even a Commander if the vessels are small enough in size). The commander of the formation will be officially referred to within the Naval Chain of Command as "Commander, Task Unit <identifier>" ("CTG <identifier>").

A Task Unit that is part of a Task Force might also simply be identified by a decimalized numerical code designation following the term "Task Unit" and the numerical designator of the "Task Force" and "Task Group" (e.g. "17.5." for Task Force 17, Task Group #5), the number of the Task Force being derived from the originating parent fleet and a sequential designator. The Task Group and Task Unit Subunits of the Task Force can be appended to the TF numerical designator by successive decimal point separators, such as Task Unit 17.5.2 (Task Force 17, Task Group 5, Task Unit #2).

History & Background

Historically, naval units have been organized both administratively and operationally.

Administrative Organization

Administratively, ships have been grouped together into 4 vessel squadrons of the same type and class, which are then grouped into larger flotillas of vessels of the same type of different classes, which are then subsequently grouped together into administrative fleets of vessels of all types and classes.

• Ship --» Squadron --» Flotilla --» Fleet

Operational Organization

Operationally, ships are typically grouped together based around task and mission objectives. An individual vessel (a "Task Element") will be grouped with other like vessels and their necessary support elements required to perform a particular function, referred to as a "Task Unit". Task Units will be grouped together as needed in order to perform a particular tactical or strategic naval mission as a "Task Group". From the various Task Groups that together comprise a numbered or named Naval Fleet, specific operational Fleets can be assembled and grouped together as necessary in order to prosecute a major Naval Operation or engagement; such operational fleet groupments being designated as "Task Forces".

• Ship ("Task Element") --» Task Unit --» Task Group --» Task Force --» Battle Fleet --» Numbered Fleet --» Named Fleet

See also

• Please also see: Imperial Navy/Organization.

References

This page uses content from Wikipedia. The original article was at Military_organization#Navy. The list of authors can be seen in the page history. The text of Wikipedia is available under the Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.

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