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{{Short description|Military branch involved in naval warfare}}
{{redirect2|Naval|Naval Force|other uses of "Naval"|Naval (disambiguation)|other uses of "Navy"|Navy (disambiguation)}}
{{redirect|Naval power|a country with a strong navy|Maritime power}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2024}}
[[File:The Hermione being escorted by the USS Mitscher (DDG-57) (1).jpg|thumb|330x330px|{{USS|Mitscher|DDG-57|6}}, a modern guided-missile destroyer, escorting a reproduction of the 18th-century {{ship|French frigate|Hermione|2014|6}}.]]
A '''navy''', '''naval force''', '''military maritime fleet''', '''war navy''', or '''maritime force''' is the [[military branch|branch]] of a nation's [[armed forces]] principally designated for [[naval warfare|naval]] and [[amphibious warfare]]; namely, [[lake]]-borne, [[river]]ine, [[littoral zone|littoral]], or [[ocean]]-borne [[combat]] operations and related functions. It includes anything conducted by surface [[Naval ship|ships]], [[amphibious warfare|amphibious]] ships, [[submarine]]s, and seaborne [[naval aviation|aviation]], as well as ancillary support, communications, training, and other fields.

The strategic offensive role of a navy is [[Power projection|projection of force]] into areas beyond a country's shores (for example, to protect [[Sea lane|sea-lanes]], deter or confront [[piracy]], ferry troops, or attack other navies, ports, or shore installations). The strategic defensive purpose of a navy is to frustrate seaborne projection-of-force by enemies. The strategic task of a navy also may incorporate [[nuclear deterrence]] by use of [[submarine-launched ballistic missile]]s. Naval operations can be broadly divided between riverine and littoral applications ([[brown-water navy]]), open-ocean applications ([[blue-water navy]]), and something in between ([[green-water navy]]), although these distinctions are more about strategic scope than tactical or operational division.

== Etymology and meanings ==
{{Special characters|section=section}}
First attested in English in the early 14th century,<ref>{{OEtymD|navy}}</ref> the word "navy" came via [[Old French]] {{lang|fro|navie}}, "fleet of ships", from the [[Latin]] {{lang|la|navigium}}, "a vessel, a ship, bark, boat",<ref>{{L&S|navigium|ref}}</ref> from {{lang|la|navis}}, "ship".<ref>{{L&S|navis|ref}}</ref> The word "naval" came from Latin {{lang|la|navalis}}, "pertaining to ship";<ref>{{L&S|navalis|ref}}</ref> [[cf.]] [[Greek language|Greek]] {{lang|grc|ναῦς}} ({{lang|grc-latn|naus}}), "ship",<ref>{{LSJ|nau{{=}}s|ναῦς|ref}}.</ref> {{lang|grc|ναύτης}} ({{lang|grc-latn|nautes}}), "seaman, sailor".<ref>{{LSJ|nau/ths|ναύτης|shortref}}.</ref> The earliest attested form of the word is in the [[Mycenaean Greek]] compound word {{lang|gmy|𐀙𐀄𐀈𐀗}}, '''''na-u'''-do-mo'' (*{{lang|grc-Latn|naudomoi}}), "shipbuilders", written in [[Linear B]] syllabic script.{{refn|group=n|Found on the [[Knossos|KN]] U 736, [[Pylos|PY]] Na 568, PY Vn 865 and PY Xn 990 tablets.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.palaeolexicon.com/ShowWord.aspx?Id=16815|website=Palaeolexicon. Word study tool of ancient languages|title=The Linear B word na-u-do-mo|access-date=25 March 2014|archive-date=8 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008020130/http://www.palaeolexicon.com/Word/Show/16815|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://minoan.deaditerranean.com/resources/linear-b-sign-groups/na/na-u-do-mo/|title=na-u-do-mo|work=Minoan Linear A & Mycenaean Linear B|last=Raymoure|first=K.A.|publisher=Deaditerranean|access-date=25 March 2014|archive-date=13 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131013042530/http://minoan.deaditerranean.com/resources/linear-b-sign-groups/na/na-u-do-mo/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=KN 736 U (unknown) |url=https://www2.hf.uio.no/damos/Index/item/chosen_item_id/671 |access-date=25 March 2014 |archive-date=25 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140325101008/https://www2.hf.uio.no/damos/Index/item/chosen_item_id/671 |url-status=live }} {{cite web |title=PY 568 Na (1) |url=https://www2.hf.uio.no/damos/Index/item/chosen_item_id/4844 |access-date=25 March 2014 |archive-date=25 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140325101412/https://www2.hf.uio.no/damos/Index/item/chosen_item_id/4844 |url-status=live }} {{cite web |title=PY 865 Vn + fr. (Ci) |url=https://www2.hf.uio.no/damos/Index/item/chosen_item_id/5039 |access-date=25 March 2014 |archive-date=25 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140325102235/https://www2.hf.uio.no/damos/Index/item/chosen_item_id/5039 |url-status=live }} {{cite web |title=PY 990 Xn (unknown) |url=https://www2.hf.uio.no/damos/Index/item/chosen_item_id/5139 |website=DĀMOS: Database of Mycenaean at Oslo |publisher=[[University of Oslo]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140325100317/https://www2.hf.uio.no/damos/Index/item/chosen_item_id/5139 |archive-date=25 March 2014 }}</ref> Cf. {{lang|grc|ναυπηγός}}.<ref>{{LSJ|nauphgo/s|ναυπηγός}}.</ref>}}

The word formerly denoted fleets of both commercial and military nature. In modern usage "navy" used alone always denotes a military fleet, although the term "[[Merchant Navy|merchant navy]]" for a commercial fleet [[fossil word|still incorporates]] the non-military [[word sense]]. This overlap in word senses between commercial and military fleets grew out of the inherently [[dual-use technology|dual-use]] nature of fleets; centuries ago, nationality was a trait that unified a fleet across both civilian and military uses. Although nationality of commercial vessels has little importance in peacetime trade other than for [[flag of convenience|tax avoidance]], it can have greater meaning during wartime, when [[supply chain]]s become matters of patriotic attack and defense, and when in some cases private vessels are even temporarily converted to military vessels. The latter was especially important, and common, before 20th-century military technology existed, when merely adding [[artillery]] and [[naval infantry]] to any sailing vessel could render it fully as martial as any military-owned vessel. Such [[privateer]]ing has been rendered obsolete in blue-water strategy since modern missile and aircraft systems grew to leapfrog over artillery and infantry in many respects; but privateering nevertheless remains potentially relevant in [[littoral (military)|littoral warfare]] of a [[limited war|limited]] and [[asymmetric warfare|asymmetric]] nature.

== History ==
{{main|Naval warfare|Naval history}}
{{more citations needed|section|date=November 2018}}

Naval warfare developed when humans first fought from water-borne vessels. Before the introduction of the [[cannon]] and ships with enough capacity to carry them, navy warfare primarily involved ramming and boarding actions. In the time of [[ancient Greece]] and the [[Roman Empire]], naval warfare centered on long, narrow vessels powered by banks of [[Watercraft rowing|oarsmen]] (such as [[trireme]]s and [[quinquereme]]s) designed to ram and sink enemy vessels or come alongside the enemy vessel so its occupants could be attacked hand-to-hand. Naval warfare continued in this vein through the [[Middle Ages]] until the cannon became commonplace and capable of being reloaded quickly enough to be reused in the same battle. 

In [[History of China#Ancient China|ancient China]], large naval battles were known since the [[Qin dynasty]] (''also see'' [[Battle of Red Cliffs]], 208), employing the war [[junk (ship)|junk]] during the [[Han dynasty]]. However, China's first official standing navy was not established until the [[Song dynasty|Southern Song dynasty]] in the 12th century, a time when [[gunpowder]] was a revolutionary new application to warfare.{{sfnp|de Crespigny|1990|p=264|loc="The engagement at the Red Cliffs took place in the winter of the 13th year of [[Jian'an (Eastern Han)|Jian'an]], probably about the end of 208."|postscript=}} The [[Chola Dynasty]] in [[South India|Southern India]] had a navy composed of trade ships transporting  armies overseas.<ref name="MajumdarHistCult3">{{cite book |last=Majumdar |first=Romesh Chandra |author-link=R. C. Majumdar |url=https://archive.org/details/struggleforempir05bhar/page/250/mode/2up?q= |title=The History and Culture of the Indian People, Volume V: The Struggle for Empire |publisher=[[Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan]] |year=2001 |location=Mumbai}}</ref> The [[Chola Navy]] reached its peak under [[Rajendra I]], and was most notably used in invasions of [[Chola conquest of Anuradhapura|Sri Lanka]] and [[South-East Asia campaign of Rajendra I|Southeast Asia]].<ref name="kulkep212">[[South-East Asia campaign of Rajendra I#Kulke|Kulke]], p. 212.</ref>{{sfn|Spencer|1976|p=409}}

[[Nusantara (archipelago)|Nusantara]]n [[Thalassocracy|thalassocracies]] made extensive use of naval power and technologies. This enabled the seafaring local people (either Malays of [[Srivijaya]] or Javanese of [[Mataram Kingdom|Mataram]]) to attack as far as the coast of [[Tanzania]] and [[Mozambique]] with 1000 boats and attempted to take the citadel of Qanbaloh, about 7,000&nbsp;km to their West, in 945–946 AD.<ref name=":122">Kumar, Ann (2012). 'Dominion Over Palm and Pine: Early Indonesia's Maritime Reach', in Geoff Wade (ed.), ''Anthony Reid and the Study of the Southeast Asian Past'' (Singapore: Institute of Southeast Asian Studies), 101–122.</ref>{{rp|110}}<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|last=Nugroho|first=Irawan Djoko|title=Majapahit Peradaban Maritim|publisher=Suluh Nuswantara Bakti|year=2011|isbn=978-602-9346-00-8}}</ref>{{Rp|39}} In 1350 AD [[Majapahit]] launched its largest military expedition, the invasion of [[Samudera Pasai Sultanate|Pasai]], with 400 large [[Djong (ship)|jong]] and innumerable smaller vessels.<ref name=":2">Hill (June 1960). "[[iarchive:hikayat-raja-raja-pasai/page/2/mode/2up|Hikayat Raja-Raja Pasai]]". ''Journal of the Malaysian Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society''. '''33''': pp. 98 and 157: "Then he directed them to make ready all the equipment and munitions of war needed for an attack on the land of Pasai – about four hundred of the largest junks, and also many barges (malangbang) and galleys." See also Nugroho (2011), pp. 270 and 286, quoting ''Hikayat Raja-Raja Pasai'', 3: 98: "''Sa-telah itu, maka di-suroh baginda musta'idkan segala kelengkapan dan segala alat senjata peperangan akan mendatangi negeri Pasai itu, sa-kira-kira empat ratus jong yang besar-besar dan lain daripada itu banyak lagi daripada malangbang dan kelulus''." (After that, he is tasked by His Majesty to ready all the equipment and all weapons of war to come to that country of Pasai, about four hundred large jongs and other than that much more of malangbang and kelulus.)</ref> The second largest military expedition, invasion of [[Kingdom of Singapura|Singapura]] in 1398, Majapahit deployed 300 jong with no less than 200,000 men.<ref name=":10">Nugroho (2011), pp. 271, 399–400, quoting ''Sejarah Melayu'', 10.4: 77: "... ''maka bagindapun segera menyuruh berlengkap tiga ratus buah jung, lain dari pada itu kelulus, pelang, jongkong, tiada terbilang lagi''." (then His Majesty immediately ordered to equip three hundred jong, other than that kelulus, pelang, jongkong in uncountable numbers.)</ref><ref>Leyden, John (1821). ''[https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.83132/page/n3/mode/2up?q= Malay Annals: Translated from the Malay language]''. London: Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme and Brown. [https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.83132/page/n101/mode/2up?q= p. 86]: "The bitara immediately fitted out 300 junks together with the vessels calúlús, pelang, and jongkong in numbers beyond calculation, and embarked on board of them two Cati of Javans (200,000). Then having set sail, they arrived at Singhapura, and immediately engaged in battle."</ref> The average jong used by Majapahit would be about 76.18–79.81 m [[Length overall|LOA]], carrying 600–700 men, with 1200–1400 tons [[Deadweight tonnage|deadweight]].<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Averoes|first=Muhammad|date=2022|title=Re-Estimating the Size of Javanese Jong Ship|journal=HISTORIA: Jurnal Pendidik Dan Peneliti Sejarah|volume=5|issue=1|pages=57–64| doi=10.17509/historia.v5i1.39181 | s2cid=247335671 |url=https://archive.org/details/size-of-javanese-jong |doi-access=free}}</ref>{{Rp|60–62}}

The mass and [[Deck (ship)|deck]] space required to carry a large number of cannon made oar-based propulsion impossible, and ships came to rely primarily on [[sail]]s. Warships were designed to carry increasing numbers of cannon and [[Naval tactics in the Age of Sail|naval tactics]] evolved to bring a ship's firepower to bear in a [[Broadside (naval)|broadside]], with [[ship of the line|ships-of-the-line]] arranged in a [[line of battle]].

The development of large capacity, sail-powered ships carrying cannon led to a rapid expansion of [[Europe]]an navies, especially the [[Spain|Spanish]] and [[Portugal|Portuguese]] navies that dominated in the 16th and early 17th centuries, and helped propel the [[Age of Discovery]] and [[colonialism]]. The repulsion of the [[Spanish Armada]] (1588) by the English fleet revolutionized naval warfare by the success of a guns-only strategy and caused a major overhaul of the [[Spanish Navy]], partly along [[England|English]] lines, which resulted in even greater dominance by the Spanish. From the beginning of the 17th century the Dutch cannibalized the [[Portuguese Empire]] in the [[eastern hemisphere|East]] and, with the immense wealth gained, challenged Spanish [[hegemony]] at sea. From the 1620s, Dutch raiders seriously troubled Spanish shipping and, after a number of battles that went both ways, the [[Dutch Navy]] finally broke the long dominance of the Spanish Navy in the [[Battle of the Downs]] (1639).

[[England]] emerged as a major naval power in the mid-17th century in the first [[Anglo-Dutch Wars|Anglo-Dutch war]] with a technical victory. Successive decisive Dutch victories in the second and third Anglo-Dutch Wars confirmed the Dutch mastery of the seas during the [[Dutch Golden Age]], financed by the expansion of the [[Dutch Empire]]. The [[French Navy]] won some important victories near the end of the 17th century but a focus upon land forces led to the French Navy's relative neglect, which allowed the [[Royal Navy]] to emerge with an ever-growing advantage in size and quality, especially in tactics and experience, from 1695. As a response to growing naval influence of the navies of Portuguese, the warrior king of the Marathas, [[Shivaji]] laid the foundation of the [[Maratha Navy|Maratha navy]] in 1654.

Throughout the 18th century the Royal Navy gradually gained ascendancy over the French Navy, with victories in the [[War of Spanish Succession]] (1701–1714), inconclusive battles in the [[War of Austrian Succession]] (1740–1748), victories in the [[Seven Years' War]] (1754–1763), a partial reversal during the [[American War of Independence]] (1775–1783), and consolidation into uncontested supremacy during the 19th century from the [[Battle of Trafalgar]] in 1805. These conflicts saw the development and refinement of [[Naval tactics in the Age of Sail|tactics]] that came to be called the [[line of battle]].

The next stage in the evolution of naval warfare was the introduction of [[armour|metal plating]] along the hull sides. The increased mass required steam-powered engines, resulting in an arms race between armor and weapon thickness and firepower. The first armored vessels, the French {{ship|French ironclad|Gloire||2}} and British {{HMS|Warrior|1860|6}}, made wooden vessels obsolete. Another significant improvement came with the invention of the rotating turrets, which allowed the guns to be aimed independently of ship movement. The battle between {{ship|CSS|Virginia}} and {{USS|Monitor}} during the [[American Civil War]] (1861–1865) is often cited as the beginning of this age of maritime conflict. The [[Russian Navy]] was considered the third strongest in the world on the eve of the [[Russo-Japanese War]], which turned to be a catastrophe for the Russian military in general and the Russian Navy in particular. Although neither party lacked courage, the Russians were defeated by the Japanese in the Battle of Port Arthur, which was the first time in warfare that mines were used for offensive purposes. The warships of the Baltic Fleet sent to the Far East were lost in the Battle of Tsushima. A further step change in naval firepower occurred when the United Kingdom launched {{HMS|Dreadnought|1906|6}} in 1906, but [[Naval tactics in the Age of Steam|naval tactics]] still emphasized the line of battle.
[[File:U 995 Laboe.JPG|thumb|The {{ship|German submarine|U-995}}, in service during [[World War II]].]]
The first practical military [[submarine]]s were developed in the late 19th century and by the end of [[World War I]] had proven to be a powerful arm of naval warfare. During [[World War II]], [[Nazi Germany]]'s submarine fleet of [[U-boat]]s almost starved the United Kingdom into submission and inflicted [[Second happy time|tremendous losses on U.S. coastal shipping]]. The {{ship|German battleship|Tirpitz}}, a [[sister ship]] of {{ship|German battleship|Bismarck||2}}, was almost put out of action by miniature submarines known as [[X-class submarine|X-Craft]]. The X-Craft severely damaged her and kept her in port for some months.

A major paradigm shift in naval warfare occurred with the introduction of the [[aircraft carrier]]. First at [[Battle of Taranto|Taranto]] in 1940 and then at [[Pearl Harbor]] in 1941, the carrier demonstrated its ability to strike decisively at enemy ships out of sight and range of surface vessels. The [[Battle of Leyte Gulf]] (1944) was arguably the [[largest naval battle in history]]; it was also the last battle in which battleships played a significant role. By the end of [[World War II]], the carrier had become the dominant force of naval warfare.

World War II also saw the [[United States]] become by far the largest naval power in the world. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the [[United States Navy]] possessed over 70% of the world's total numbers and total tonnage of naval vessels of 1,000&nbsp;tons or greater.<ref name="Defense Analysis; Dec2001, Vol. 17 Issue 3, p259-265">"Weighing the US Navy", ''Defense & Security Analysis'', Volume 17, Issue 3, December 2001, pp. 259–265.</ref> Throughout the rest of the 20th century, the [[United States Navy]] would maintain a tonnage greater than that of the next 17 largest navies combined. During the [[Cold War]], the [[Soviet Navy]] became a significant armed force, with large numbers of large, heavily armed [[ballistic missile submarine]]s and extensive use of heavy, long-ranged antisurface missiles to counter the numerous United States [[carrier battle group]]s. Only two nations, the United States and [[France]], presently operate [[CATOBAR]] carriers of any size, while [[Russia]], [[China]] and [[India]] operate sizeable [[STOBAR]] carriers (although all three are originally of Russian design). The [[United Kingdom]] is also operating two {{sclass|Queen Elizabeth|aircraft carrier|0}} carriers, which are the largest [[STOVL]] vessels in service, and India is currently building one aircraft carrier, {{INS|Vikrant|2013|6}}, and considering another. France is also looking at a [[French aircraft carrier PA2|new carrier]], probably using a CATOBAR system and possibly based on the British ''Queen Elizabeth'' design.

== Operations ==
A navy typically operates from one or more [[naval base]]s. The base is a [[port]] that is specialized in naval operations, and often includes housing, a [[arsenal|munitions depot]], docks for the vessels, and various repair facilities. During times of war temporary bases may be constructed in closer proximity to strategic locations, as it is advantageous in terms of patrols and station-keeping. Nations with historically strong naval forces have found it advantageous to obtain basing rights in other countries in areas of strategic interest.

Navy ships can operate independently or with a group, which may be a small [[squadron (naval)|squadron]] of comparable ships, or a larger [[naval fleet]] of various specialized ships. The commander of a fleet travels in the [[flagship]], which is usually the most powerful vessel in the group. Before radio was invented, commands from the flagship were communicated by means of flags. At night signal lamps could be used for a similar purpose. Later these were replaced by the radio transmitter, or the flashing light when radio silence was needed.

A "[[blue water navy]]" is designed to operate far from the coastal waters of its home nation. These are ships capable of maintaining station for long periods of time in deep ocean, and will have a long [[Military logistics|logistical]] tail for their support. Many are also nuclear powered to save having to refuel. By contrast a "[[brown water navy]]" operates in the coastal periphery and along inland waterways, where larger ocean-going naval vessels can not readily enter. Regional powers may maintain a "[[green water navy]]" as a means of localized force projection. Blue water fleets may require specialized vessels, such as [[minesweeper]]s, when operating in the [[littoral]] regions along the coast.

== Traditions ==
{{main|Naval tradition}}

{{unreferenced section|date=November 2018}}

A basic tradition is that all ships commissioned in a navy are referred to as ships rather than vessels, with the exception of destroyers and submarines, which are known as boats. The prefix on a ship's name indicates that it is a commissioned ship.

An important tradition on board naval vessels of some nations has been the [[ship's bells|ship's bell]]. This was historically used to mark the passage of time, as warning devices in heavy fog, and for alarms and ceremonies.

The ship's captain, and more senior officers are "piped" aboard the ship using a [[Boatswain's call]].

In the United States, the [[First Navy Jack]] is a flag that has the words, "Don't Tread on Me" on the flag.

By English tradition, ships have been referred to as a "she". However, it was long considered bad luck to permit women to sail on board naval vessels. To do so would invite a terrible storm that would wreck the ship. The only women that were welcomed on board were [[Figurehead (object)|figureheads]] mounted on the prow of the ship.

[[Gun salute#Naval cannon fire|Firing a cannon salute]] partially disarms the ship, so firing a cannon for no combat reason showed respect and trust. As the tradition evolved, the number of cannons fired became an indication of the rank of the official being saluted.

== Naval organization ==
{{unreferenced section|date=November 2018}}

=== Ships ===
{{main|Naval ship}}
Historically, navy ships were primarily intended for warfare. They were designed to withstand damage and to inflict the same, but only carried munitions and supplies for the voyage (rather than merchant cargo). Often, other ships that were not built specifically for warfare, such as the [[galleon]] or the armed merchant ships in [[World War II]], did carry armaments. In more recent times, navy ships have become more specialized and have included supply ships, troop transports, repair ships, oil tankers and other logistics support ships as well as combat ships.

Modern navy combat ships are generally divided into seven main categories: [[aircraft carrier]]s, [[cruiser]]s, [[destroyer]]s, [[frigate]]s, [[corvette]]s, [[submarine]]s, and [[amphibious assault ship]]s. There are also support and auxiliary ships, including the [[Replenishment oiler|oiler]], [[minesweeper]], [[patrol boat]], hydrographic and oceanographic [[research vessel|survey ship]] and [[Ship's tender|tender]]. During the [[age of sail]], the ship categories were divided into the [[ship of the line]], frigate, and [[sloop-of-war]].

Naval ship names are typically prefixed by an abbreviation indicating the national navy in which they serve. For a list of the prefixes used with ship names ([[Her Majesty's Ship|HMS]], [[United States Navy#Ships|USS]], [[Long Éireannach|LÉ]], etc.) see [[ship prefix]].

Today's warships are significantly faster than in years past, thanks to much improved propulsion systems. Also, the efficiency of the engines has improved, in terms of fuel, and of how many sailors it takes to operate them. In World War II, ships needed to refuel very often. However, today ships can go on very long journeys without refueling. Also, in World War II, the engine room needed about a dozen sailors to work the many engines, however, today, only about four or five are needed (depending on the class of the ship). Today, naval strike groups on longer missions are always followed by a range of support and replenishment ships supplying them with anything from fuel and munitions, to medical treatment and postal services. This allows strike groups and combat ships to remain at sea for several months at a time.

=== Boats ===
The term "boat" refers to small craft limited in their use by size and usually not capable of making lengthy independent voyages at sea. The old navy adage to differentiate between ships and boats is that boats are capable of being carried by ships. (Submarines by this rule are ships rather than boats, but are customarily referred to as boats reflecting their previous smaller size.)

Navies use many types of boat, ranging from {{convert|9|ft|m|adj=on}} dinghies to {{convert|135|ft|m|adj=on}} landing craft. They are powered by either diesel engines, out-board gasoline engines, or waterjets. Most boats are built of aluminum, fiberglass, or steel. [[Rigid-hulled inflatable boat]]s are also used.

[[Patrol boat]]s are used for patrols of coastal areas, lakes and large rivers.

[[Landing craft]] are designed to carry troops, vehicles, or cargo from ship to shore under combat conditions, to unload, to withdraw from the beach, and to return to the ship. They are rugged, with powerful engines, and usually armed. There are many types in today's navies including [[hovercraft]]. They will typically have a power-operated bow ramp, a cargo well and after structures that house engine rooms, pilot houses, and stowage compartments. These boats are sometimes carried by larger ships.

Special operations craft are high-speed craft used for insertion and extraction of special forces personnel and some may be transportable (and deployed) by air.

Boats used in non-combat roles include lifeboats, mail boats, line handling boats, buoy boats, aircraft rescue boats, torpedo retrievers, explosive ordnance disposal craft, utility boats, dive boats, targets, and work boats. Boats are also used for survey work, tending divers, and minesweeping operations. Boats for carrying cargo and personnel are sometimes known as launches, gigs, barges or shore party boats.

=== Units ===
Naval forces are typically arranged into units based on the number of ships included, a single ship being the smallest operational unit. Ships may be combined into [[squadron (naval)|squadrons]] or [[flotilla]]s, which may be formed into [[Naval fleet|fleets]]. The largest unit size may be the whole Navy or [[Admiralty (navy)|Admiralty]].

A [[task force]] can be assembled using ships from different fleets for an operational task.
{{clear}}

=== Personnel ===
Despite their acceptance in many areas of naval service, [[Women in the military|female sailors]] were not permitted to serve on board U.S. submarines until the U.S. Navy lifted the ban in April 2010.<ref>{{cite web |date=1 June 2010 |title=The Associated Press: Biden notes big year, sub service for Navy women |url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iIMxaTQ7lpX-Ow6grVziJ7ZKeNpQD9FVUPKG3 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100601135420/http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iIMxaTQ7lpX-Ow6grVziJ7ZKeNpQD9FVUPKG3 |archive-date=1 June 2010}}</ref> The major reasons historically cited by the U.S. Navy were the extended duty tours and close conditions which afford almost no privacy. The United Kingdom's Royal Navy has had similar restrictions. Australia, Canada, Norway, and Spain previously opened submarine service to women sailors.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nato.int/docu/review/2001/0102-09.htm|title=NATO Review – Vol. 49 – No 2 – Summer 2001|website=NATO |access-date=22 March 2021|archive-date=28 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428215258/https://www.nato.int/docu/review/2001/0102-09.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Ranks ===
{{main|Naval officer ranks}}A navy will typically have two sets of ranks, one for [[Enlisted rank|enlisted]] personnel and one for [[officer (armed forces)|officers]].

Typical ranks for commissioned officers include the following, in ascending order ([[Commonwealth of Nations|Commonwealth]] ranks are listed first on each line; USA ranks are listed second in those instances where they differ from Commonwealth ranks):
* [[Midshipman]] / [[Ensign (rank)|Ensign]] / [[Corvette Lieutenant]]
* [[Sub Lieutenant]] / [[Lieutenant Junior Grade]] / [[Frigate Lieutenant]]
* [[Lieutenant]] (Commonwealth & US)/ [[Ship-of-the-Line Lieutenant]] / [[Captain Lieutenant]]
* [[Lieutenant Commander]] (Commonwealth & US)/ [[Corvette Captain]]
* [[Commander]] (Commonwealth & US)/ [[Frigate Captain]]
* [[Captain (naval)|Captain]] (Commonwealth & US)/ [[Ship-of-the-Line Captain]]
* [[Commodore (rank)|Commodore]] / [[Flotilla Admiral]] (in US only: [[Rear Admiral (lower half)]])
* [[Rear Admiral]] (in US only: [[Rear Admiral (upper half)]])
* [[Vice Admiral]] (Commonwealth & US)
* [[Admiral]] (Commonwealth & US)
* [[Admiral of the Fleet]] (Commonwealth) / [[Fleet Admiral]] (US) / [[Grand Admiral]]

"Flag officers" include any rank that includes the word "admiral" (or commodore in services other than the US Navy), and are generally in command of a [[Battleship battle group|battle group]], strike group or similar flotilla of ships, rather than a single ship or aspect of a ship. However, commodores can also be temporary or honorary positions. For example, during World War II, a Navy captain was assigned duty as a convoy commodore, which meant that he was still a captain, but in charge of all the merchant vessels in the convoy.

The most senior rank employed by a navy will tend to vary depending on the size of a navy and whether it is wartime or peacetime, for example, few people have ever held the rank of Fleet Admiral in the U.S. Navy, the chief of the [[Royal Australian Navy]] holds the rank of Vice Admiral, and the chief of the [[Irish Naval Service]] holds the rank of Commodore.

== Naval infantry ==
{{main|Marines}}
{{unreferenced section|date=November 2018}}
[[File:22nd MEU Storms Beach During Bright Star DVIDS212393.jpg|thumb|[[22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit]] conducting a beach landing exercise.]]
Naval infantry, commonly known as [[marines]], are a category of infantry that form part of a state's naval forces and perform roles on land and at sea, including [[Amphibious warfare|amphibious operations]], as well as other, naval roles. They also perform other tasks, including land warfare, separate from naval operations.

During the era of the [[Roman empire]], naval forces included marine [[Legionary|legionaries]] for [[Naval boarding|maritime boarding actions]]. These were troops primarily trained in land warfare, and did not need to be skilled at handling a ship. Much later during the age of sail, a component of marines served a similar role, being ship-borne soldiers who were used either during boarding actions, as sharp-shooters, or in raids along shorelines.

The Spanish ''[[Infantería de Marina]]'' was formed in 1537, making it the oldest, current marine force in the world. The [[United Kingdom|British]] [[Royal Marines]] combine being both a ship-based force and also being specially trained in [[commando]] [[frogman]]-style operations and tactics, operating in some cases separately from the rest of the Royal Navy. The Royal Marines also have their own [[special forces]] [[Special Boat Service|unit]].

In the majority of countries, the marine force is an integral part of the navy but there are variations such as the French [[Troupes de marine]], which is actually part of the [[French Army]]. The [[United States Marine Corps]] is a separate armed service within the United States Department of the Navy, with its own leadership structure.

== Naval aviation ==
{{unreferenced section|date=November 2018}}
{{main|Naval aviation}}
[[File:USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) and HMS Illustrious (R 06) in the Persian Gulf on April 9, 1998.jpg|thumb|{{USS|John C. Stennis}} (left) and {{HMS|Illustrious|R06|6}}.]]
Naval aviation is the application of [[Military aviation|military air power]] by navies, whether from [[warship]]s that embark aircraft, or land bases.

In World War I, several navies used [[floatplane]]s and [[flying boat]]s – mainly for [[Scout plane|scouting]]. By World War II, [[aircraft carrier]]s could carry bomber aircraft capable of attacking naval and land targets, as well as fighter aircraft for defence. Since World War II helicopters have been embarked on smaller ships in roles such as anti-submarine warfare and transport. Some navies have also operated land-based aircraft in roles such as [[Maritime patrol aircraft|maritime patrol]] and [[Trainer (aircraft)|training]].

Naval aviation forces primarily perform naval roles at sea. However, they are also used in a variety of other roles.

== See also ==
* [[Blue-water navy]]
* [[Coast guard]]
* [[List of auxiliary ship classes in service]]
* [[List of countries by level of military equipment]]
* [[List of naval battles]]
* [[List of naval ship classes in service]]
* [[List of navies]]
* [[List of submarine classes in service]]
* [[Naval academy]]
* [[Naval fleet]]
* [[Naval militia]]
* [[Naval tactics]]
* [[Naval warfare]]
* [[Navies of landlocked countries]]
* [[Shore patrol]]

== Notes and references ==

=== Notes ===
{{reflist|group=n}}

===Citations===
{{reflist|30em}}

===References===
* {{Cite book |last=de Crespigny |first=Rafe |author-link=Rafe de Crespigny |url=https://digitalcollections.anu.edu.au/html/1885/42048/gos_index.html |title=Generals of the South: The Foundation and Early History of the Three Kingdoms State of Wu |publisher=Australian National University |year=2018 |isbn=978-0-7315-0901-0 |edition=Internet |location=Canberra |ref={{sfnref|de Crespigny|1990}} |access-date=9 November 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120709044544/https://digitalcollections.anu.edu.au/html/1885/42048/gos_index.html |archive-date=9 July 2012 |orig-year=1990}}
* {{Cite journal |last=Spencer |first=George W. |date=1976 |title=The Politics of Plunder: The Cholas in Eleventh-Century Ceylon |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/2053272 |journal=The Journal of Asian Studies |volume=35 |issue=3 |pages=405–419 |doi=10.2307/2053272 |jstor=2053272 |s2cid=154741845 |issn=0021-9118|url-access=subscription }}

== Further reading ==
* '''Non-fiction:'''
** ''Combat Fleets of the World: Their Ships, Aircraft and Systems'' – Naval Institute Press. Published annually. Comprehensive.
** [[Fernand Braudel|Braudel, Fernand]], ''The Mediterranean in the Ancient World''.
** [[Julian Corbett|Corbett, Sir Julian]], ''Some Principles of Maritime Strategy'', 1911.
** Hughes Jr., Wayne P., ''Fleet Tactics and Coastal Combat'', 1999, Naval Institute Press, {{ISBN|1-55750-392-3}}.
** [[Paul Kennedy|Kennedy, Paul]]. ''The Rise and Fall of British Naval Mastery''. New York: Scribner, 1976. {{ISBN|0-394-54674-1}}.
** [[Alfred Thayer Mahan|Mahan, Alfred Thayer]], ''[[The Influence of Sea Power upon History|The Influence of Sea Power upon History, 1660–1783]]'', 1918, Boston: Little Brown.
** [[Arthur Marder|Marder, Arthur]]. ''The Anatomy of British Seapower''. New York: Octagon Books, 1940.
** [[Arthur Marder|Marder, Arthur]]. "The Influence of History on Sea Power: The Royal Navy and the Lessons of 1914–1918", ''[[Pacific Historical Review]]''. November 1972.
** [[Herbert Richmond|Richmond, Herbert]]. ''National Policy and National Strength and other Essays''. London: Longman, Green and Co., 1928.
** Sprout, Harold and Margaret Sprout. ''Toward a New Order of Sea Power: American Naval Policy ... 1918–1922''. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1940.
** Starr, Chester G., ''The Influence of Sea Power on Ancient History'', 1989, Oxford University Press, {{ISBN|0-19-505666-3}}.
** Tangredi, Sam, "Globalization and Maritime Power", 2002 – [[National Defense University (Washington, D.C.)|National Defense University]], {{ISBN|1-57906-060-9}}.
** Trafalgar 200 Through the Lens, {{ISBN|0-9553004-0-1}}.
** Wombacher, Joerg and Joerg Felfe. (2012) [http://afs.sagepub.com/content/38/4/557.abstract United We Are Strong: An Investigation into Sense of Community among Navy Crews], ''[[Armed Forces & Society]]'', Vol. 38, No. 4.
** [[Peter J. Woolley|Woolley, Peter J]]. "The Role of Strategy in Great Power Decline", ''[[Naval War College Review]]''. Vol. XLIX, no. 1 (1996). {{ISBN|1-884733-06-9}}.
* '''Fiction:'''
** [[Alan Lewrie]] series by [[Dewey Lambdin]]
** [[Aubrey–Maturin series]] by [[Patrick O'Brian]]
** [[Horatio Hornblower]] series by [[C. S. Forester]]
** [[Richard Bolitho]] series by Alexander Kent (pseudonym of [[Douglas Reeman]])
** [[Tom Clancy]], ''[[The Hunt for Red October]]'' (1984), ''[[Red Storm Rising]]'' (1986)

== External links ==
{{wikiquote}}
{{wiktionary|navy}}
* [http://www.naval-technology.com/ Naval Technology] – News, projects, images and white papers on the naval industry
* [http://www.nosi.org NOSI (Naval Open Source Intelligence)] – a library of world naval operational news
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20130313064830/http://www.smhc-uk.org/navy.html Navy at Scottish Military Heritage Centre]
* {{Cite Collier's|wstitle=Navy, The|short=x}}
* {{Cite EB1911 |wstitle=Navy |volume=19 |pages=299–317 |first=David McDowall |last=Hannay |authorlink=David Hannay (historian) |short=1}}

{{Military and war}}
{{Military branches | state = expanded}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Navies|*]]
[[Category:Types of military forces]]