In the British Navy the Admiral commanded the center of a formation and coordinated the actions of his subordinates. The title Admiral is derived from the Arabic title Emir ( amīr-al-'umarā, 'ruler of rulers'). He and and his flagship coordinated the ships at the front (or 'Van') of a formation and passed on gathered information to and signals and orders from the commanding Admiral. In the British Royal Navy, the Vice Admiral was an assistant to the Admiral. However, the rank of Rear Admiral was a two-star rank with 8th Pay Period salary regardless of Division. Rear Admiral Lower Half, the junior division, was roughly equivalent to a Brigadier General, and Rear Admiral Upper Half, the senior division, was roughly equivalent to Major General. The rank in American service was divided into two Divisions by seniority in grade. In the British Royal Navy, the Rear Admiral and his flagship coordinated the ships at the back of a formation and passed on signals and orders from the commanding Admiral.

The last World War II holder of the rank was Commodore Tully Shelley, who retired in July, 1949 with the rank of Rear Admiral. No further appointments were made after 1947 but holders were allowed to remain in the rank until they were promoted or retired.

It generally denoted an officer who commands a detachment of ships or aircraft, but is not yet senior enough to rank as an Admiral. Captains who had held the post often styled themselves as such unofficially afterwards.ĭue to the rapid expansion of the Navy the rank was re-established on April 1943. In American service the position was originally a brevet rank held by the senior-most captain in a formation of two or more ships. 'Commodore' is better considered a title or appointment than a proper rank. The Flag Officer ranks were based on those of the British Royal Navy.

World war 2 navy ranks