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squadron

squadron

8 6.3
A group of navy ships sent from the fleet for a mission
  • noun
  • /ˈskwɑːdrən/
  • Specialized
: escuadrón
  • The naval squadron was deployed to ensure the safety of shipping lanes in the area.
  • a naval squadron
  • a British squadron
  • an American naval squadron

That was another squadron they were cross decking.

Examples

  • So in 1801, he sent a U.S. naval squadron.

    Academic text (2009)
  • We have one squadron of reconnaissance ships in the air now.

  • Yellow Leader, we have your squadron in visual contact.

  • Black Mountain Squadron, take those fighters.

  • Get Saber Squadron and fly to the Middle East.

  • The squadron was diverted this morning.

  • Ships of the Third Battle Squadron arrive in keel at the end of the week.

  • Squadron Command is insisting on the most experienced captain and crew available.

  • "Citizens of the New Republic, I present to you Rogue Squadron!"

    Fiction book (1998)
  • A British naval squadron outside Alexandria harassed ships arriving and departing.

    Academic text (2010)

Synonyms

detachment
vssquadron
19 6.7

A small group of soldiers sent from a larger unit to do a task

is specific to naval groups of ships detached for missions
flotilla
vssquadron
14 7.3

A group of small boats that work together

is used for mixed or larger ships detached for specific missions
naval unit
vssquadron
1 4.2

A ship or group of ships that a navy uses for military work

is a specific kind of naval group formed for a detached mission
flot
vssquadron
  • Archaic
9.9

A small group of ships sailing together

is the modern naval term used for detached mission groups

How Big

fleet
384 2.5
division
347 5.1
squadron
  • Specialized
8 6.3
flotilla
14 7.3
ship
∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

squadron singular
squadrons plural

Etymology

Squadron comes from an old Italian word squadra meaning 'square' or 'team', and it shares the same root as English squad. So a naval squadron is a small group of ships sent out together to do a task.