Fleet Command (Australia) facts for kids

Fleet Command is a very important part of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). It is in charge of all the RAN's ships, submarines, aircraft, diving teams, and shore bases. This means Fleet Command makes sure everything is ready for action.

Fleet Command's main office is at HMAS Kuttabul in Sydney. It is led by a high-ranking officer called the Commander Australian Fleet. This person is a rear admiral, which is a two-star rank.

The role of Commander Australian Fleet started in 2007. Before that, it had different names:

• Rear Admiral Commanding HM Australian Fleet (1913–1926)
• Rear Admiral Commanding HM Australian Squadron (1926–1949)
• Flag Officer Commanding HM Australian Fleet (1949–1988)
• Maritime Commander Australia (1988–2007)

History of Fleet Command

Before 1913, the British Royal Navy looked after all naval activities in Australian waters. In 1859, the British set up the Australia Station. This was a special command for all the waters around Australia and in the South Pacific.

Between 1901 and 1913, the Royal Navy slowly handed over control to the Australian Government. They also replaced British equipment and staff with Australian ones. The Commonwealth Naval Forces became the Royal Australian Navy in 1911.

In 1913, the transfer was complete. The position of Rear Admiral Commanding HM Australian Fleet was created. This person was in charge of all naval combat operations. Even though it was an Australian command, many of the officers in charge were from the British Royal Navy.

The name of the command changed several times over the years. It became Flag Officer Commanding HM Australian Fleet in 1949. Then, it was renamed Maritime Commander Australia in 1988. Finally, in 2007, it became Commander Australian Fleet.

Throughout its history, Fleet Command has sent Australian naval forces to many important events. These include the First World War, Second World War, Korean War, and Vietnam War. They also helped during peacekeeping missions and other operations.

How Fleet Command Works

Fleet Command is led by the Commander Australian Fleet. This commander is supported by other important officers. Their main job is to plan and carry out naval operations. These operations protect Australia's safety and interests.

The work of Fleet Command falls into three main areas:

• Defending Australia's land and waters.
• Protecting trade routes and resources at sea.
• Dealing with unexpected situations or emergencies.

Commander Australian Fleet's Role

The Fleet Commander is the main expert on naval operations for the Chief of Navy. The Chief of Navy gives the Fleet Commander full control over all RAN ships, submarines, aircraft, diving teams, and shore bases.

The Fleet Commander also makes sure the Fleet is trained and ready. They oversee maintenance and make sure the Navy has the right equipment. They also help develop new capabilities for the Fleet.

The Fleet Commander can give some of their responsibilities to other commanders. For example, they can give control of naval bases to force commanders. They can also give control of units during operations to other senior officers.

Director-General Maritime Operations

The Director-General Maritime Operations (DGMAROPS) works closely with the Fleet Commander. This officer gives advice on how ready the Fleet is for action. They also control naval units that are at sea or doing routine activities.

The DGMAROPS is also in charge of submarine operations. They manage the Navy's activity schedule. This officer also oversees the Maritime Operations Centre. This centre helps coordinate all naval operations that are not part of larger joint missions.

Commodore Flotillas

The Commodore Flotillas (COMFLOT) is another important officer. This role was known as Commodore Warfare between 2011 and 2018. The COMFLOT oversees special naval teams. These teams help manage naval warfare and prepare forces for action.

Fleet Forces: What They Do

The Fleet Commander gives control of different groups of naval units to specific force commanders. These commanders are responsible for their units. They make sure their units are ready for operations. They also manage their personnel and equipment.

When units are deployed for operations, the Director-General Maritime Operations often takes control of them.

Surface Force

The Commander Surface Force looks after all the RAN's surface ships. This includes large destroyers, frigates, and support vessels. They make sure these ships are ready for their missions.

Submarine Force

The Commander Submarine Force is in charge of the Royal Australian Navy Submarine Service. They manage all submarine operations. This ensures Australia's submarines are ready for their important tasks.

Fleet Air Arm

The Commander Fleet Air Arm manages all the Royal Australian Navy's aircraft. They make sure the aircraft are safe to fly and ready for operations.

Mine Warfare, Hydrographic and Patrol Forces

This commander has a long title because they are in charge of many different units! They look after:

• Mine warfare forces: These units deal with sea mines.
• Patrol forces: These units patrol Australia's waters.
• Clearance Diving Branch (RAN)|Clearance Diving Branch: These are expert divers who clear explosives.
• The Australian Hydrographic Service: This group maps the sea and provides weather information.

Shore Force

The Commander Shore Force looks after all the Navy's bases and facilities on land. They make sure that the infrastructure, properties, and ports are well-maintained. This helps keep the Navy's ships and personnel ready.

Information Warfare Force

The Commander Information Warfare Force is in charge of digital information and intelligence. This includes information warfare, signals intelligence (listening to enemy communications), and imagery intelligence (getting information from images). This force was created in 2015 by combining several smaller units.