The rank of commodore seems to be a on again off again thing with the US Navy. Does anyone know if there are commodores at present in the US Navy. I remember reading that the Navy promoted about three dozen captains to the rank of commodore back in 1980 or so. To the best of my knowledge there are only the various levels of admiral currently in the navy as far as ranks above captain go. Was the rank of commodore again fazed out, and if so when? Thanks
------------------ "Victory is Life!"
Posted by Saltah'na (Member # 33) on :
I know that commodores do exist in Star Trek, but it appears that your topic has nothing to do with it.
*off it goes to the OL*
------------------ I can resist anything....... Except Temptation
Posted by Aethelwer (Member # 36) on :
IIRC, except during a war, the USN just calls its commodores "Rear Admiral (lower half)." Same rank, different name.
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Posted by Baloo (Member # 5) on :
I don't think it's a "wartime only" rank. Formerly, the U.S. Navy had a rank of "Commodore" that was equivalent to an Army or Air Force Brigadier General (one star). All the general officer ranks (above Colonel) in the other services were "Generals". Since "Commodore" wasn't universally understood to be equal to a general officer, at least outside the Navy, they decided to head off any misunderstandings by 86-ing "Commodore" and made up "Rear Admiral, Lower Half", just to be sure everyone knew this wasn't just some super-Colonel, but an HONEST-TO-GOD ADMIRAL!
[Tench-HUT!]
That makes as much sense as any other explaination, and is what I've heard regarding the issue. Personally, If they'd asked for my advice, Id've recommended "Hindmost Admiral", but I suppose they wouldn't have taken the suggestion in the proper spirit.
--Baloo
------------------ It is less important that you agree with me than it is for you to to understand what I'm saying.
I figured it belonged here about as much as the other postings I have seen. If anyone knew the answere to my query it would be the members of the Forum. Thanks Baloo.
------------------ "Victory is Life!"
Posted by Baloo (Member # 5) on :
Galen: No problem. If you need more info, I suppose I could look up my sources and get better details.
As far as I know, the U.S. Navy is the only Navy to eliminate the rank of Commodore. I view it as a blow against tradition, and I, for one, think the military needs to keep its traditions except where they interfere with the primary mission of deterring aggression, or the secondary mission of meeting aggression with armed resistance.
--Baloo
------------------ It is less important that you agree with me than it is for you to to understand what I'm saying.
