flotillas

Flotilla is a naval term describing a group of ships that operate as a single unit under a common command. It is typically applied to smaller warships or patrol vessels—such as destroyers, frigates, corvettes, or mine countermeasures ships—but the designation can also cover groups of boats organized for coastal defense, search and rescue, or patrol duties. The concept is used by many navies and coast guards and can refer to both military formations and civilian maritime groups organized for a mission.

In most navies, a flotilla is commanded by a senior officer, usually a captain or commodore, and it may be subdivided into divisions, squadrons, or sections. The flotilla serves as a modular component of a larger fleet, or as an independent force conducting a particular mission, such as escort, patrol, or mine warfare operations. The exact size of a flotilla varies widely; it can range from a small handful of ships to several dozen, depending on doctrine and available vessels.

Historically, flotillas were common organizational units in many European and later imperial navies, reflecting the need to coordinate multiple ships of the same type. In contemporary practice, some navies retain formal flotilla commands (for example, patrol or destroyer flotillas), while others use alternative terms such as squadron or group. The term remains in use to denote a recognizable, homogeneous group of ships operating together under a unified leadership.

Etymology: The word flotilla comes from the Spanish flota, meaning fleet, and entered English usage several centuries ago.