About this Unit
The Commander Atlantic Fleet (COMLANTFLT) has historically served as the senior command responsible for overseeing all United States naval operations in the Atlantic Ocean. Established in 1906, the Atlantic Fleet played a crucial role in both World Wars, coordinating convoy protection against German U-boats and projecting American naval power across the Atlantic theater. During the Cold War, the Commander Atlantic Fleet was central to countering Soviet naval forces, safeguarding transatlantic supply lines, and participating in major NATO exercises. In 2002, the Atlantic Fleet was re-designated as the U.S. Fleet Forces Command, continuing its vital mission of ensuring maritime security and operational readiness in the Atlantic region.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War II: The post of Commander, Atlantic Fleet (COMLANTFLT) was established in 1906, but its prominence grew significantly during World War II, when the US Navy had to secure Atlantic sea lanes against German U-boats.
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Operation Drumbeat: During the early months of America’s involvement in WWII, the Atlantic Fleet faced the German Operation Paukenschlag ("Drumbeat"), which saw U-boats sinking hundreds of vessels off the US East Coast.
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NATO Role: The Commander Atlantic Fleet often wore a "dual hat" as Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic (SACLANT) for NATO, coordinating defense of the North Atlantic against potential Soviet threats during the Cold War.
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Bermuda Headquarters: For much of its history, part of the Atlantic Fleet’s NATO operations were based in Bermuda, which served as a strategic anti-submarine warfare hub.
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Operation Torch: In 1942, the Atlantic Fleet played a crucial role in Operation Torch, the Allied invasion of North Africa, by escorting troop convoys and providing naval gunfire support.
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Cuban Missile Crisis: The Atlantic Fleet enforced the naval "quarantine" of Cuba in 1962, preventing Soviet ships from delivering missiles and playing a central role in defusing the crisis.
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Largest Fleet Exercises: The Atlantic Fleet regularly conducted massive exercises, such as "Operation Springboard" in the Caribbean and "Ocean Venture" in the North Atlantic, involving tens of thousands of sailors.
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Homeported in Norfolk: The fleet's headquarters has been in Norfolk, Virginia, since 1941, making it the largest naval base in the world and a vital hub for US and NATO maritime operations.
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Post-9/11 Reorganization: In 2002, the Atlantic Fleet was re-designated as the US Fleet Forces Command, reflecting its expanded role in both the Atlantic and worldwide naval operations.
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Historic Ships: Many famous ships have served in the Atlantic Fleet, including the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CV-6) in WWII and the nuclear-powered USS Enterprise (CVN-65) during the Cold War and beyond.
