Task Force (Naval unit)
A Naval Task Force is a fleet-sized sub-division of a proper Numbered Fleet, comprised of multiple Naval Task Groups and Task Units assembled ad hoc for a particular mission objective. It is also referred to as a "Battle Fleet".
Description (Specifications)
A Naval Task Force is an operational sub-division of a proper Numbered Fleet or Fleets, built up from multiple Naval Task Groups and Task Units assembled as needed in order to accomplish a particular major strategic mission objective. As an operational unit it can be assembled using ships from different divisions and squadrons without requiring a formal and/or permanent fleet reorganization, which can be easily dissolved or subsequently reorganized following the completion of the operational task. Particularly large Task Forces (or Battle Fleets formed from combined Task Forces) have in general been referred to individually by specific traditional terms such as "Battle Fleet", "Penetration Fleet", "Assault Fleet", "Interdiction Fleet", etc. A Task Force will typically be commanded by a Flag Officer with the appointment of Fleet Admiral, often of the substantive rank of Rear Admiral or Vice Admiral for large Battle Fleets, and will be officially referred to within the Naval Chain of Command as "Commander, Task Force <identifier>" ("CTF <identifier>").
In lieu of a be given a Battle Fleet Name designator, a Task Force might also simply be identified by a decimalized numerical code designation following the designator "TF" for "Task Force", such as TF-17 for Task Force 17, the number being derived from the originating parent fleet and a sequential designator. Subunits of the Task Force (Task Group, Task Unit, and even individual ship designator) can be appended to the TF numerical designator by successive decimal point separators as necessary, such as Task Unit 17.5.2 (Task Force 17, Task Group 5, Task Unit #2).
History & Background (Dossier)
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.
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 --» Numbered Fleet --» Named Fleet
See also
- Please also see: Imperial Navy/Organization.
References & Contributors (Sources)
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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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This page uses content from Wikipedia. The original article was at Naval_task_force. 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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