Division (naval)

Smallest naval formation

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Naval units and formations

* Division
* Squadron
* Flotilla
* Carrier battle group
* Task force
* Naval fleet

The four Iowa-class battleships operating as Battleship Division 2 off the Virginia Capes in 1954; from front to back are USS Iowa (BB-61), USS Wisconsin (BB-64), USS Missouri (BB-63), and USS New Jersey (BB-62).

A naval division is a sub-division of a squadron or flotilla of a navy. It can also be a sub-division of a fleet. A division is the smallest naval formation, most commonly numbering between two and four ships.

## Command element

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A division is usually commanded by senior flag officer, most commonly a vice admiral or rear admiral, irrespective of the division's size. For example, in the Imperial Japanese Navy, the First Carrier Division was commanded by a rear or vice admiral, same as the 18th Cruiser Division.

## Division types

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Divisions are most commonly grouped by ship class and type, dependent on how the respective nation's navy is organised. Examples of division types include:

Submarine Division | 24th Submarine Division (Soviet Navy and Russian Navy) | six submarines

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Minesweeper Division | Mine Division 71 (United States Navy) | two minesweepers
Sloop Division | 2nd Escort Group (Royal Navy) | six sloops
Destroyer Division | Destroyer Division 22 (United States Navy) | four destroyers
Cruiser Division | 18th Cruiser Division (Imperial Japanese Navy) | two light cruisers
Battleship Division | Battleship Division 2 (United States Navy) | four battleships
Carrier Division | Second Carrier Division (Imperial Japanese Navy) | two aircraft carriers
Investigative Services | Naval Criminal Investigative Service (United States Navy) | three battleships[further explanation needed][dubious - discuss]

## See also

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* BatDiv
* Destroyer squadron

## References

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* Peattie, Mark R. (1999). Sunburst: The Rise of Japanese Naval Air Power 1909–1941. Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press. ISBN 1-59114-664-X.
* Morison, Samuel E. (1963). The Two-Ocean War: A Short History of the United States Navy in the Second World War. New York City: Little, Brown and Company. ISBN 0-316-5835-2-9. `{{cite book}}`: ISBN / Date incompatibility (help)

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