Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:19:14-2:20:06

Could the U.S. Navy restore Commodore?

The United States abolished the substantive grade in 1985, but its future return would be a political and organizational choice rather than a historical impossibility.

CommodoresFleet OrganisationMilitary LawNaval RankOne Star RankUS CongressUS Navy
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Question

Will the United States ever adopt the rank of Commodore again?

Short answer

Possibly, but the substantive grade was abolished in 1985 and any return would depend on future political and naval decisions.

Notes

The United States has repeatedly used Commodore in different ways. The substantive grade was abolished in 1985, leaving its restoration dependent on future institutional and congressional choices. A return remains possible, though no prediction is made. The title's historical popularity is separate from its present legal status.