View source for United States Fleet Forces Command

{{Short description|Service component command of the US Navy}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}
{{Use American English|date=July 2015}}
{{Infobox military unit
|unit_name= United States Fleet Forces Command<br />(USFFC)
|image=Seal of the Commander of the United States Fleet Forces Command.svg
|caption= The seal of the Commander of United States Fleet Forces Command
|start_date= {{Start date and age|1906}}
|country=
|allegiance={{flagu|United States|size=23px}}
|branch={{Navy|United States|size=23px}}
|type= Force-providing command
|role=
|size=
|command_structure= [[United States Northern Command|U.S. Northern Command]]
|garrison= [[Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads]], [[Norfolk, Virginia|Norfolk]], [[Virginia]], U.S.
|garrison_label=
|nickname=
|patron=
|motto=
|colors=
|colors_label=
|march=
|mascot=
|equipment=
|equipment_label=
|battles=[[World War I]]<br />[[World War II]]<br />[[Vietnam War]]<br />[[War on Terror|Global War on Terrorism]]
|anniversaries=
|decorations=
|battle_honours=
|disbanded=
|website={{url|https://www.usff.navy.mil/}}
<!-- Commanders -->
|commander1=ADM [[Daryl L. Caudle]]
|commander1_label=[[Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command|Commander]]
|commander2=VADM [[John E. Gumbleton]]
|commander2_label=Deputy Commander
|commander3=RADM [[Kenneth R. Blackmon]]
|commander3_label=Vice Commander
|commander4=FLTCM [[John J. Perryman IV]]
|commander4_label=Fleet Master Chief
|notable_commanders= 
}}

The '''United States Fleet Forces Command''' ('''USFFC''')<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=105466 |title=U.S. Fleet Forces Command is abbreviated as USFF |access-date=16 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616204110/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=105466 |archive-date=16 June 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> is a service component command of the [[United States Navy]] that provides naval forces to a wide variety of U.S. forces. The naval resources may be allocated to Combatant Commanders such as [[United States Northern Command]] (USNORTHCOM) under the authority of the [[United States Secretary of Defense|Secretary of Defense]]. Originally formed as '''United States Atlantic Fleet''' ('''USLANTFLT''') in 1906, it has been an integral part of the defense of the United States of America since the early 20th century.  In 2002, the Fleet comprised over 118,000 Navy and Marine Corps personnel serving on 186 ships and in 1,300 aircraft, with an area of responsibility ranging over most of the Atlantic Ocean from the [[North Pole]] to the [[South Pole]], the [[Caribbean Sea]], [[Gulf of Mexico]], and the waters of the Pacific Ocean along the coasts of [[Central America|Central]] and South America (as far west as the [[Galapagos Islands]]).

In 2006 the U.S. Atlantic Fleet was renamed United States Fleet Forces Command.

The command is based at [[Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads]] in [[Norfolk, Virginia]]<ref>{{Cite web|last=Draughn-Fraguada|first=Katisha|date=2021-07-28|title=Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads changes command|url=https://www.dvidshub.net/news/401954/naval-support-activity-hampton-roads-changes-command|access-date=2021-11-02|website=DVIDS|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Welcome to Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads|url=https://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrma/installations/nsa_hampton_roads.html|website=Commander, Navy Installations Command}}</ref> and is the Navy's service component to [[United States Northern Command|U.S. Northern Command]]<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=U.S. Fleet Forces Command Naval Station Norfolk |url=https://www.northcom.mil/Newsroom/Fact-Sheets/Article-View/Article/564003/us-fleet-forces-command/ |work=northcom.mil |location=Naval Station Norfolk |date=16 May 2013 |access-date=10 August 2019 |archive-date=10 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190810033645/https://www.northcom.mil/Newsroom/Fact-Sheets/Article-View/Article/564003/us-fleet-forces-command/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> and is the Joint Functional Maritime Component Command under the [[United States Strategic Command|U.S. Strategic Command]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stratcom.mil/components/ |title=Functional Components US Strategic Command |author=<!--Not stated--> |website=stratcom.mil |publisher=US Strategic Command |access-date=10 August 2019 |quote=The mission of JFMCC is to conduct joint maritime operations to execute the maritime aspects of strategic deterrence}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=US Fleet Forces Commander Designated as NAVSTRAT, JFMCC STRAT |url=https://www.stratcom.mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/1754078/us-fleet-forces-commander-designated-as-navstrat-jfmcc-strat/ |work=stratcom.mil |location=Norfolk, Virginia |date=1 February 2019 |access-date=10 August 2019 }}</ref>

The command's mission is to organize, man, train, and equip naval forces for assignment to Unified Command [[Combatant commander]]s; to deter, detect, and defend against homeland maritime threats; and to articulate Fleet warfighting and readiness requirements to the [[Chief of Naval Operations]].<ref>Fleet Forces Command, [http://www.cffc.navy.mil/mission.htm U.S. Fleet Forces Command Mission] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061005055148/http://www.cffc.navy.mil/mission.htm |date=5 October 2006}}</ref>

==History==
===Expansion and contraction===
[[File:Atlantic Squadron parade Seattle 1908 B&W.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Atlantic Squadron parade Seattle, 1908]]
[[File:President Theodore Roosevelt - NH 1836.jpg|thumb|200px|President [[Theodore Roosevelt]] addresses crewmen on {{USS|Connecticut|BB-18|2}}, upon her return from the Fleet's cruise around the world, 22 February 1909.]]
The Atlantic Fleet was established by President [[Theodore Roosevelt]] in 1906, at the same time as the [[U.S. Pacific Fleet|Pacific Fleet]], as protection for new bases in the [[Caribbean]] acquired as a result of the [[Spanish–American War]]. The Fleet was a combination of the [[North Atlantic Squadron|North Atlantic Fleet]] and the [[South Atlantic Squadron]].

The first commander of the fleet was [[Rear Admiral (United States)|Rear Admiral]] [[Robley D. Evans (admiral)|Robley D. Evans]], who hoisted his flag in the [[battleship]] {{USS|Maine|BB-10}} on 1 January 1906. The following year, he took his 16 battleships, now dubbed the [[Great White Fleet]], on a round-the-world cruise that lasted until 1909, a goodwill tour that also served the purpose of advertising the United States' naval strength and reach to all other nations of the globe.

In January 1913 the fleet consisted of six first-line divisions, a torpedo flotilla, submarines, and fleet auxiliaries.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.fleetorganization.com/1913atlantic.html|title=US Navy Atlantic Fleet, January 1, 1913|last=Svonavec|first=Stephen|website=www.fleetorganization.com|access-date=21 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110831131414/http://www.fleetorganization.com/1913atlantic.html|archive-date=31 August 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> The fleet was under the command of Rear Admiral [[Hugo Osterhaus]]. 
* The First Division, under Rear Admiral Bradley A. Fiske, consisted of {{USS|Florida|BB-30}} (flag), {{USS|Delaware|BB-28}}, and {{USS|North Dakota|BB-29}}. 
* The Second Division, under Rear Admiral Nathaniel R. Usher with his flag aboard the {{USS|Vermont|BB-20}}, consisted of {{USS|Louisiana|BB-19}}, {{USS|Michigan|BB-27}}, {{USS|New Hampshire|BB-25}}, and {{USS|South Carolina|BB-26}}. 
* The Third Division, under Rear Admiral Cameron McR. Winslow, comprised {{USS|Virginia|BB-13}} (flag), {{USS|Georgia|BB-15}}, {{USS|New Jersey|BB-16}}, {{USS|Rhode Island|BB-17}}, and {{USS|Nebraska|BB-14}}. 
* The Fourth Division, under Rear Admiral [[Frank Friday Fletcher|Frank F. Fletcher]], consisted of the {{USS|Minnesota|BB-22}}, {{USS|Connecticut|BB-18}}, {{USS|Ohio|BB-12}}, {{USS|Idaho|BB-24}}, and {{USS|Kansas|BB-21}}. (See [[United States occupation of Veracruz]]).
* Fifth and Sixth Divisions were made up of protected cruisers, {{USS|St. Louis|C-20}}, {{USS|Tennessee|ACR-10}}, {{USS|Washington|ACR-11}}, and {{USS|Cleveland|C-19}}, {{USS|Denver|CL-16}}, {{USS|Des Moines|CL-17}}, and {{USS|Tacoma|CL-20}}.

The [[Cruiser and Transport Force]], under Rear Admiral [[Albert Gleaves]] served in Atlantic waters during World War I moving the [[American Expeditionary Forces]] to Europe. [[United States Battleship Division Nine]] joined the [[Grand Fleet]] in the UK.

The Atlantic Fleet was reorganized into the [[Scouting Force]] in 1923, which was under the [[United States Fleet]] along with the Pacific Fleet. In January 1939 the Atlantic Squadron, [[United States Fleet]], was formed,<ref name=ShortBattle>{{cite web |url=http://www.navy.mil/navydata/ships/battleships/bbhistory.asp |title=U.S. Navy, Battleships, A Short History |access-date=24 December 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080108073523/http://www.navy.mil/navydata/ships/battleships/bbhistory.asp |archive-date=8 January 2008 |url-status=live }}</ref> with Vice Admiral [[Alfred Wilkinson Johnson]] commanded.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Alfred Wilkinson Johnson, Vice Admiral, United States Navy|url=http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/awjohnson.htm|access-date=2021-11-02|website=www.arlingtoncemetery.net}}</ref> The aircraft carrier {{USS|Ranger|CV-4}} was transferred to the [[Atlantic Ocean]], to join three [[battleship]]s.

On 1 November 1940 the Atlantic Squadron was renamed the Patrol Force. The Patrol Force was organized into type commands: Battleships, Patrol Force; Cruisers, Patrol Force; Destroyers, Patrol Force; and, Train, Patrol Force (the logistics arms).<ref name=ShortBattle />

===World War II===
On 1 February 1941, the Atlantic Fleet was resurrected and organized from the [[Patrol Force]]. Along with the Pacific Fleet and [[Asiatic Fleet]], the fleet was to be under the command of a full admiral, which jumped the fleet's commander [[Ernest J. King]] from a two-star to a four-star. King's [[flagship]] was {{USS|Texas|BB-35}}.

Subsequently, the headquarters was in a rather odd assortment of ships; the {{USS|Augusta|CA-31}}, then the old wooden ship {{USS|Constellation|1854|6}}, {{USS|Vixen|PG-53}}, and then {{USS|Pocono|AGC-16}}.  In 1948, the HQ moved into the former naval hospital at [[Norfolk, Virginia]], and has remained there ever since.

In July 1942, eight months after the United States entered the war, the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Navy's [[North America and West Indies Station|America and West Indies Station]] based at [[Admiralty House, Bermuda]] had his title changed to ''Senior British Naval Officer, Western Atlantic.'' {{USS|Augusta}} visited Bermuda in September, 1941.<ref>''The Andrew and The Onions: The Story of The Royal Navy in Bermuda, 1795–1975'', by Lieutenant-Commander B. Ian D. Stranack. Bermuda Maritime Museum Press</ref><ref>[https://www.unithistories.com/officers/RN_officersK2.html ''Kennedy-Purvis, Sir Charles Edward'', Royal Navy (RN) Officers, 1939-1945. Unit Histories]; [https://www.unithistories.com/officers/RN_officersC4.html ''Curteis, Sir Alban Thomas Buckley'', Royal Navy (RN) Officers, 1939-1945. Unit Histories]; [https://www.nytimes.com/1943/02/01/archives/admirals-in-bermuda-emphasize-vigilance-need-continues-american-and.html ''ADMIRALS IN BERMUDA EMPHASIZE VIGILANCE; Need Continues, American and British Chiefs Assert'', New York Times. 1 February 1942]</ref>

====Composition of the Atlantic Fleet in December 1941====
[[File:USS Augusta (CA-31) underway at sea on 10 December 1942.jpg|thumb|USS ''Augusta'']]
On 7 December 1941 the Fleet comprised a number of separate components:

*United States Atlantic Fleet - Commander: [[Admiral (United States)|Admiral]] [[Ernest King|Ernest J. King]] (Flagship: {{USS|Augusta|CA-31|6}})
**Battleships, Atlantic Fleet (made up of three Battleship Divisions) - Commander: [[Rear admiral (United States)|Rear Admiral]] David M. LeBreton (Flagship: USS ''New York'')
**Aircraft, Atlantic Fleet (made up of one Carrier Division) - Commander: Rear Admiral Arthur B. Cook (Flagship: USS ''Yorktown'')
**Cruisers, Atlantic Fleet (made up of four Cruiser Divisions) - Commander: Rear Admiral [[Henry Kent Hewitt|H. Kent Hewitt]] (Flagship: USS ''Philadelphia'')
**Destroyers, Atlantic Fleet (made up of three Destroyer Flotillas) - Commander: Rear Admiral [[Ferdinand Louis Reichmuth|Ferdinand L. Reichmuth]] (Flagship: {{USS|Denebola|AD-12|6}})
**Patrol Wings, Atlantic Fleet (made up of five Patrol Wings) - Commander: Rear Admiral Ernest McWhorter (Flagship: {{USS|Clemson|AVD-4|6}})
**Submarines, Atlantic Fleet (made up of four Submarine Squadrons) - Commander: Rear Admiral [[Richard S. Edwards]] (Flagship: {{USS|Vixen|PG-53|6}})

<small>§ = Divisional flagship</small>

=====Battleships, Atlantic Fleet=====
[[File:USS NewMexico BB-40.jpg|thumb|USS ''New Mexico'']]
[[File:USS Yorktown (CV-5) underway in April 1937 (80-G-1007384).jpg|thumb|USS ''Yorktown'']]
Battleships, Atlantic Fleet was made up of three [[BatDiv|Battleship Divisions]]
{{Div col|colwidth=26em}} 
*Battleship Division 3 (Rear Admiral [[William R. Munroe]])
**{{USS|New Mexico|BB-40|6}}
**{{USS|Mississippi|BB-41|6}}
**{{USS|Idaho|BB-42|6}} § 
*Battleship Division 5 (Rear Admiral David M. LeBreton)
**{{USS|New York|BB-34|6}} §
**{{USS|Texas|BB-35|6}}
**{{USS|Arkansas|BB-33|6}}
*Battleship Division 6 (Rear Admiral [[John W. Wilcox Jr.]])
**{{USS|North Carolina|BB-55|6}}
**{{USS|Washington|BB-56|6}} §
{{div col end}} 
Of these, Battleship Division 5 was a training unit consisting of the oldest remaining battleships in service, while Division 6 was responsible for working up the two most recently commissioned battleships, ''North Carolina'' and ''Washington''.

=====Aircraft, Atlantic Fleet=====
{{Div col|colwidth=26em}}
*{{USS|Yorktown|CV-5|6}}
*Carrier Division 3 (Rear Admiral Arthur B. Cook)
**{{USS|Ranger|CV-4|6}}
**{{USS|Wasp|CV-7|6}}
*{{USS|Hornet|CV-8|6}}
*{{USS|Long Island|CVE-1|6}}
{{div col end}}
The aircraft carriers ''Yorktown'' and ''Long Island'' were directly attached to Aircraft, Atlantic Fleet, as was the newly commissioned ''Hornet'', which was in the process of working up.

=====Cruisers, Atlantic Fleet=====
[[File:USS Vincennes (CA-44) in Panama Canal 1938.jpg|thumb|USS ''Vincennes'']]
{{Div col|colwidth=26em}} 
*Cruiser Division 2 (Rear Admiral [[Jonas H. Ingram]])
**{{USS|Omaha|CL-4|6}}
**{{USS|Milwaukee|CL-5|6}}
**{{USS|Cincinnati|CL-6|6}}
**{{USS|Memphis|CL-13|6}} §
*Cruiser Division 7 (Rear Admiral [[Robert C. Giffen]])
**{{USS|Tuscaloosa|CA-37|6}}
**{{USS|Quincy|CA-39|6}}
**{{USS|Vincennes|CA-44|6}}
**{{USS|Wichita|CA-45|6}} §
*Cruiser Division 8 (Rear Admiral H. Kent Hewitt)
**{{USS|Brooklyn|CL-40|6}}
**{{USS|Philadelphia|CL-41|6}} §
**{{USS|Savannah|CL-42|6}}
**{{USS|Nashville|CL-43|6}}
{{div col end}}
=====Destroyers, Atlantic Fleet=====
{{Div col|colwidth=26em}}
*Destroyer Flotilla Three
**Destroyer Squadron 7
**Destroyer Squadron 9
**Destroyer Squadron 11
*Destroyer Flotilla Four
**Destroyer Squadron 2
**Destroyer Squadron 8
*Destroyer Flotilla Eight
**Destroyer Squadron 27
**Destroyer Squadron 30
**Destroyer Squadron 31
{{div col end}}
=====Patrol Wings, Atlantic Fleet=====
{{Div col|colwidth=26em}}
*Patrol Wing Three
**[[VP-31]]
**[[VP-32]]
*Patrol Wing Five
**[[VP-51]]
**[[VP-52]]
*Patrol Wing Seven
**[[VP-71]]
**[[VP-72]]
**[[VP-73]]
**[[VP-74]]
*Patrol Wing Eight
**[[VP-81]]
**[[VP-82]]
{{div col end}}
=====Submarines, Atlantic Fleet=====
{{Div col|colwidth=26em}}
*Submarine Squadron One
**Submarine Division 11
**Submarine Division 12
**Experimental Division 1
*Submarine Squadron Three
**Submarine Division 72
*Submarine Squadron Five
**Submarine Division 51
**Submarine Division 52
**Submarine Division 53
*Submarine Squadron Seven
**Submarine Division 31
**Submarine Division 4
**Submarine Division 71
{{div col end}}
=====Other elements of the Atlantic Fleet=====
During [[World War II]] "Transports, Amphibious Force, Atlantic Fleet" was part of this command (ComTransPhibLant). Smaller units included the Antisubmarine Development Detachment, Atlantic Fleet (ASDEVLANT) located at [[Quonset Point, Rhode Island]].<ref>{{DANFS}}</ref> The detachment was responsible for the study and development of [[antisubmarine]] gear during [[World War II]]. The Commander of the detachment was known as COMASDEVLANT.

Admiral King was appointed Commander-in-Chief, United States Fleet, on 20 December 1941. Rear Admiral [[Royal E. Ingersoll]] was designated, with the rank of vice admiral, to relieve him as Commander-in-Chief, Atlantic Fleet.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USN/Admin-Hist/USN-Admin/USN-Admin-4.html | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101227073944/http://ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USN/Admin-Hist/USN-Admin/USN-Admin-4.html |archivedate=27 December 2010 | title=HyperWar: Administration of the Navy Department in World War II [Chapter 4 - Fleet Organization] | via=ibiblio.org | accessdate=22 May 2021}}</ref> He took command on 1 January 1942, and was advanced to the rank of admiral on 1 July 1942. To carry out this mission and other tasks CinCLant had in the meantime been reorganized, as of 1 March 1941, into ten task forces (commanded by flag officers) numbered from one to ten and named according to their intended employment. [[Task Force One]] was the Ocean Escort Force, TF2—Striking Force, TF3—Scouting Force, TF4—Support Force, TF5—Submarine Force, TF6—Naval Coastal Frontier Forces, TF7—Bermuda Force, TF8—Patrol Wings, TF9—Service Force, and [[Task Force 10]], [[1st Marine Division]] (commanded by a Brigadier General).

Of many significant engagements, [[Daniel V. Gallery|Captain Daniel Gallery]]'s capture of the [[German submarine U-505]] stands out. The capture was so top secret (because of the enigma code books captured) that the ship's flag was kept by the Commander-in-Chief, Atlantic Fleet, and not handed over to Navy authorities until after the war.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://oralhistoryportal.library.columbia.edu/document.php?id=ldpd_4076081|title=Columbia University Libraries: Oral Histories Portal: Collection Overview|year=2010}}</ref>

===Cold War===
On 1 January 1946, Commander Minesweeping Forces, Atlantic Fleet (ComMinLant) was activated to command minesweepers assigned to the Atlantic Fleet. The Commander, Mine Forces, Atlantic was responsible for all Fleet mine warfare operations. Units under his command were divided into Minesweeping Squadrons (MineRon)s.

Between 1947 and 1985, the fleet command was a concurrent appointment with the [[United States Atlantic Command]]. The [[Commander-in-Chief]] Atlantic Fleet (CINCLANTFLT) was traditionally a navy four-star admiral who also then held the positions of Commander-in-Chief [[United States Atlantic Command]] (CINCLANT) and [[NATO]]'s [[Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic]] (SACLANT). But after a major reorganization of the U.S. armed forces structure following the [[Goldwater-Nichols Act]] of 1986, CINCLANFLT was separated from the two other billets. The admiral commanding the Atlantic Fleet was designated as the Deputy Commander in Chief of the Atlantic Command until 1986.

Major crises the Atlantic Fleet was involved in during the Cold War included the 1962 [[Cuban Missile Crisis]] and the [[1965 United States occupation of the Dominican Republic]].<ref>Naval Historical Center, [http://www.history.navy.mil/colloquia/cch2.htm Caribbean Tempest: The Dominican Republic Intervention of 1965] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101206130825/http://www.history.navy.mil/colloquia/cch2.htm |date=6 December 2010}}</ref>

The general purpose forces of the Army, Navy, and Air Force began to be reorganized in response to the Cuban Missile Crisis on 16 October 1962. The command organization, as finally developed, called for the Commander in Chief, Atlantic (CINCLANT), Admiral [[Robert Dennison (US Navy officer)|Robert Dennison]], to provide the unified command. He also retained control of all naval components involved in tactical operations, as the Commander-in-Chief, Atlantic Fleet. The responsibility for Army and Air Force components was assigned to the Continental Army Command (CONARC) and the [[Tactical Air Command]] under the designation of Army Forces, Atlantic (ARLANT), and Air Forces, Atlantic (AFLANT). The commander of the Army [[XVIII Airborne Corps]] was designated Joint Task Force Commander to plan for any joint operations that might become necessary. Over-all direction was exercised by the President and the Secretary of Defense through the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who named the [[Chief of Naval Operations]] as their representative for the quarantine.<ref name=":0" />

Major elements of the [[Strategic Army Corps]] were designated for use by ARLANT and placed in advanced alert status. Logistic support for the more than 100,000 men involved was directed by a newly established Peninsula Base Command. Preparatory steps were taken to make possible the immediate callup of high priority [[Army National Guard]] and [[United States Army Reserve|Army Reserve]] units. [[Tactical Air Command]] moved hundreds of tactical fighter, reconnaissance, and troop carrier aircraft to the southeast. To make room for all these units, the bombers, tankers, and other aircraft not required for the current operations were ordered to other bases in the United States.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.history.navy.mil/faqs/faq90-2.htm|title=Cuban Missile Crisis, 1962: Online Documentation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150105093908/http://www.history.navy.mil/faqs/faq90-2.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 January 2015}}</ref>

From the late 1960s, nuclear ballistic missile submarines of the fleet began to make thousands of deterrent patrols.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4100&tid=200&ct=4|title=The US Navy – Fact File: Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarines – SSBN|last=Petty|first=Dan|website=www.navy.mil|access-date=21 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120102142051/http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4100&tid=200&ct=4|archive-date=2 January 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> The first patrol in the Atlantic Fleet [[area of operations]] was made by {{USS|George Washington|SSBN-598}}.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://fas.org/programs/ssp/man/uswpns/navy/submarines/ssbn598gw.html |title=Federation of American Scientists |access-date=16 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224111712/http://www.fas.org/programs/ssp/man/uswpns/navy/submarines/ssbn598gw.html |archive-date=24 December 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 1972, Commander, Anti-Submarine Warfare Force, Atlantic Fleet (Task Force 81) was headquartered at [[Quonset Point Naval Air Station]].<ref>Sean P. Milligan, Quonset Point Naval Air Station, 1996, 127.</ref> Under ASWFORLANTFLT was Hunter-Killer Force, Atlantic Fleet (Task Force 83), with [[Carrier Division 14|Carrier Divisions 14]] and [[Carrier Division 16|16]] (Wasp and Intrepid, respectively), as well as the Quonset ASW Group (TG 81.2) with [[Fleet Air Wing 3]] and surface units. More information on Anti-Submarine Warfare Force, Atlantic Fleet's, activities during the Cuban crisis can be found at the National Security Archive's document collections.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www2.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/NSAEBB/NSAEBB75/|title = The Submarines of October}}</ref>

The [[Commander, Naval Surface Forces Atlantic]] was formed on 1 July 1975, incorporating a number of previously separate smaller commands – mine warfare vessels/units, service vessels, and frigates, destroyers and cruisers, along with associated destroyer squadrons and cruiser/destroyer groups.

As part of a reorganization announced in July 1995 of the Atlantic Fleet's surface combatant ships into six core battle groups, nine destroyer squadrons, and a new Western Hemisphere Group, {{USS|John Hancock|DD-981}} was reassigned to [[Destroyer Squadron 24]]. The re-organization was to be phased in over the summer and take effect 31 August 1995, with homeport shifts occurring through 1998. In September 1995 the following ship assignments were intended to apply at the end of the transitional period:<ref>'Fleet's structure reorganized,' [[All Hands]], September 1995, p.1-2</ref>
*[[Western Hemisphere Group]] (to be homeported at [[Naval Station Pascagoula]] and [[Naval Station Mayport]]): {{USS|Ticonderoga|CG-47}}, {{USS|Yorktown|CG-48}}, {{USS|Thomas S. Gates|CG-51}} (to move to Pascagoula in FY 98), {{USS|Robert G. Bradley|FFG-49}}, ''Conolly'', ''Scott,'' DDG-993, ''Moosebrugger'', ''Dewert'', ''McInerney'', ''Boone'', ''Doyle'', ''Aubrey Fitch'' and ''Stark.''
*Cruiser-Destroyer Group 2/Washington Battle Group: CGN-37, CG-60
*[[Carrier Strike Group Two|Carrier Group 2]]/Stennis Joint Task Group: {{USS|San Jacinto|CG-56}}, {{USS|Monterey|CG-61}}
*[[Carrier Strike Group 6|Carrier Group 6]]/Kennedy/America Joint Task Group: {{USS|Vicksburg|CG-69}}, {{USS|Hué City|CG-66}}, and {{USS|Thomas S. Gates|CG-51}} until ''Gates'' was transferred to the Western Hemisphere Group
*[[Carrier Strike Group Twelve|Cruiser-Destroyer Group 8]]/Eisenhower Joint Task Group: {{USS|Anzio|CG-68}}, {{USS|Cape St. George|CG-71}}
*[[Cruiser-Destroyer Group 12]]/Enterprise Joint Task Group: {{USS|Philippine Sea|CG-58}}, {{USS|Gettysburg|CG-64}}

===2000s===
In February 2000, [[U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command]] was established in [[Puerto Rico]], and the Western Hemisphere Group became [[Naval Surface Group 2]].

After the [[September 11 terrorist attacks]], the Atlantic Fleet sent aircraft carriers and cruisers towards New York, on the fleet commander's own initiative.<ref>Clark, "Against All Enemies," 22.</ref> 
 
On 1 October 2001, the [[Chief of Naval Operations]] designated Commander-in-Chief, Atlantic Fleet (CINCLANTFLT) as concurrent Commander, '''Fleet Forces Command''' (CFFC). In October–November 2002, the title of Commander in Chief, Atlantic Fleet was amended to Commander, U.S. Atlantic Fleet (COMLANTFLT).

In the CNO Guidance for 2003, Admiral Vernon Clark stipulated that the terms [[Carrier Battle Group]] and [[Amphibious ready group|Amphibious Readiness Group]] would be replaced by [[Carrier Strike Group]]s (CSG) and [[Expeditionary Strike Group]]s (ESGs), respectively, by March 2003. Cruiser-Destroyer and Carrier Groups (CARGRU) were also redesignated, as Carrier Strike Groups (CSG), and aligned directly under the numbered fleet commanders. The two sets of staffs were formerly under the administrative authority of their respective air and surface [[U.S. Navy type commands]].  This realignment allowed key operational leaders authority and direct access to the personnel required to more effectively accomplish the navy's mission.

The numbered fleet commanders are now responsible for the training and certification of the entire Strike Group.  The organizational structure to support the carrier strike groups focuses more on placing Strike Group commanders under the authority of the certifying officer, or the numbered fleet commander.  Under this new division of responsibility, the air-side type commander gains authority over the air wing, and the surface-side type commander gains authority over the carrier itself and the rest of the ships of the battle group.

On 23 May 2006, the Chief of Naval Operations renamed COMLANTFLT to Commander, '''U.S. Fleet Forces Command''' (COMUSFLTFORCOM or CUSFFC), ordered to carry out the missions currently performed by COMFLTFORCOM (CFFC) and serve as primary advocate for fleet personnel, training, requirements, maintenance, and operational issues, reporting administratively directly to the CNO as an Echelon 2 command. The previous title CFFC was disestablished at the same time.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cffc.navy.mil/history.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061005054622/http://www.cffc.navy.mil/history.htm|url-status=dead|title=A Brief History Of The U.S. Fleet Forces Command|archive-date=5 October 2006|access-date=20 June 2020}}</ref> CUSFFC previously served as the Naval component of the [[United States Joint Forces Command|US Joint Forces Command]] ([[USJFCOM]]) until the disestablishment of USJFCOM in August 2011. CFFC is also assigned as the supporting service component commander to Commander, [[United States Northern Command]] (USNORTHCOM) as well as to Commander, [[United States Strategic Command]] (USSTRATCOM).

''Enterprise'' entered an ESRA in 2008, but the refit took longer than expected. Thus on 11 September 2009, it was announced that the carrier strike group deployment schedule would be changed to accommodate the delay in the return of the ''Enterprise'' from its current overhaul. This resulted in extending both [[Carrier Strike Group Eleven]]'s 2009–2010 deployment and [[Carrier Strike Group Ten]]'s 2010 deployment to eight months.<ref>{{cite web | title= Navy Carrier Strike Group Deployment Schedules to Shift | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=48233 | work= NNS090911-22 | publisher= U.S. Fleet Forces Command | date= 11 September 2009 | access-date= 27 December 2012 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20111217005931/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=48233 | archive-date= 17 December 2011 | url-status= live }}</ref>  ''Enterprise'' returned to Naval Station Norfolk on 19 April 2010 after completing its post-overhaul sea trials, signifying the beginning of its pre-deployment training cycle.<ref>{{cite web | author= Ensign Michael Hatfield, USN | title= ''Enterprise'' Completes Sea Trials, Rejoins the Fleet | url= http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=52721 | work= NNS100419-03 | publisher= USS Enterprise Public Affairs | date= 19 April 2012 | access-date= 2 June 2012 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100623011533/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=52721 | archive-date= 23 June 2010 | url-status= live }}</ref>

On 24 July 2009, Admiral [[John C. Harvey, Jr.]] relieved Admiral [[Jonathan W. Greenert]] as Commander.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://hamptonroads.com/2009/07/one-regions-fourstar-admirals-heads-washington|title=One of region's four-star admirals heads off to Washington|access-date=21 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090825235456/http://hamptonroads.com/2009/07/one-regions-fourstar-admirals-heads-washington|archive-date=25 August 2009|url-status=live}}</ref>

===2010s===
News reports in July 2011 said that in connection with the disestablishment of the [[United States Second Fleet]], Fleet Forces Command would take over Second Fleet's duties on 30 September 2011.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wvec.com/news/military/Navys-Fleet-Forces-Command-taking-over-Second-Fleet-duties-124880344.html|title=Navy's Fleet Forces Command taking over Second Fleet duties|date=1 July 2011|website=WVEC.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110921222320/http://www.wvec.com/news/military/Navys-Fleet-Forces-Command-taking-over-Second-Fleet-duties-124880344.html|archive-date=21 September 2011}}</ref> Effectively this meant [[Task Force 20]] (TF 20), under a deputy commander of the fleet, took over that mission. Task Force 20 was succeeded by [[Task Force 80]] effective 1 October 2012, with TF-80 being under the command of the director of the Maritime Headquarters, Fleet Forces Command.<ref>{{cite web | title= USFF Commanders Guidance Brief to Senior Staff 17 Sep_FINAL | url= https://www.scribd.com/doc/108522114/USFF-Commanders-Guidance-Brief-to-Senior-Staff-17-Sep-FINAL | publisher= Scribd.com | date= 17 September 2012 | access-date= 15 April 2012 | quote= Slides 21, 45, 46 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160305195426/https://www.scribd.com/doc/108522114/USFF-Commanders-Guidance-Brief-to-Senior-Staff-17-Sep-FINAL | archive-date= 5 March 2016 | url-status= live }}</ref>

The [[Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center]] (FNMOC), [[United States Naval Observatory]] (USNO), [[Naval Oceanographic Office]] (NAVOCEANO), Naval Oceanography Operations Command, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Professional Development Center, were all realigned under [[U.S. Navy Information Dominance Forces]] on 1 October 2014.{{citation needed|date=April 2015}}

Beginning in Fiscal Year 2015, the Optimized Fleet Response Plan will align carrier strike groups to a 36-month training and deployment cycle. All required maintenance, training, evaluations, plus a single eight-month overseas deployment, are scheduled throughout this 36-month cycle in order to reduce costs while increasing overall fleet readiness.  This new plan streamlined the inspection and evaluation process while maintaining a surge capacity for emergency deployments.  The ultimate objective is to reduce time at sea while increasing in-port time from 49% to 68%.  While initially to be used by U.S. Navy carrier strike groups, the Optimized Fleet Response Plan will be adopted for all fleet operations.<ref>{{cite web | title= Document: The Navy's New Deployment Plan | url= http://news.usni.org/2014/01/24/document-navys-new-deployment-plan | work= News Blog | publisher= [[United States Naval Institute]] | date= 24 January 2014 | access-date= 24 January 2014 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151117163303/http://news.usni.org/2014/01/24/document-navys-new-deployment-plan | archive-date= 17 November 2015 | url-status= live }}</ref>

Accordingly, the carrier {{USS|Harry S. Truman|CVN-75}} will be the first carrier to deploy under this new O-FRP cycle, replacing the previously-scheduled ''Eisenhower'' in the deployment lineup.  Additionally, the Carrier Strike Group Eight command staff will deploy with the ''Truman'' while the ''Eisenhower'' will serve as the new flagship for [[Carrier Strike Group Ten]].

On 2 December 2020, Secretary [[Kenneth Braithwaite]] announced that U.S. Fleet Forces Command will be renamed back to '''United States Atlantic Fleet'''<ref>{{Cite web|last=Eckstein|first=Megan|date=2021-01-14|title=UPDATED: Adm. Grady: Redesignation to Atlantic Fleet May Have Implications for Homeland Defense Mission|url=https://news.usni.org/2021/01/13/adm-grady-redesignation-to-atlantic-fleet-has-implications-for-homeland-defense-mission|access-date=2021-01-19|website=USNI News|language=en-US}}</ref> to focus more on the growing maritime threats coming from the Atlantic.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Ziezulewicz|first=Geoff|date=2020-12-03|title=Navy bringing back US Atlantic Fleet|url=https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2020/12/02/navy-bringing-back-us-atlantic-fleet/|access-date=2020-12-07|website=[[Navy Times]]|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="rename">{{Cite news|date=2020-12-02|title=SECNAV Announces the Return of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet, Focus Will be on Russian Threat|url=https://news.usni.org/2020/12/02/secnav-announces-the-return-of-the-u-s-atlantic-fleet-focus-will-be-on-russian-threat|access-date=2020-12-07|website=[[USNI News]]|language=en-US}}</ref> The renaming of the command has been placed on hold, pending further review of the U.S. military footprint, resources, strategy and missions, from the global force posture review.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Burgess|first=Richard R.|date=2021-04-05|title=Fleet Forces Re-Designation to Atlantic Fleet On Hold, CNO Says|url=https://seapowermagazine.org/fleet-forces-re-designation-to-atlantic-fleet-on-hold-cno-says/|access-date=2021-04-06|website=Seapower|language=en-US}}</ref>

== Structure 2013 ==
{{See|Structure of the United States Navy}}
In accordance with the ''Navigation Plan 2013–2017'' guidance from the [[Chief of Naval Operations]], U.S. Fleet Forces Command was to be based upon the three tenets of war-fighting, forward operations, and readiness.<ref name=Gortney>{{cite web | author= Admiral [[William E. Gortney]], USN | title= Commander's Vision and Guidance: Executive Summary | url= https://www.scribd.com/doc/109606324/CUSFF-Vision-and-Guidance-05OCT2012-Final-1 | date= October 2012 | access-date= 17 March 2012|pages=1–4| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160305150848/https://www.scribd.com/doc/109606324/CUSFF-Vision-and-Guidance-05OCT2012-Final-1 | archive-date= 5 March 2016 | url-status= live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | author= Admiral [[Jonathan Greenert]], USN | title= CNO's Navigation Plan 2013–2017 | url= http://www.navy.mil/cno/Navplan2012-2017-V-Final.pdf | year= 2012 | access-date= 17 March 2012 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130217130034/http://www.navy.mil/cno/Navplan2012-2017-V-Final.pdf | archive-date= 17 February 2013 | url-status= live }}</ref> To achieve these objectives, Fleet Forces Command was realigned to a Maritime Operations Center (MOC) and Maritime Headquarters (MHQ) command structure.  Additionally, the Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command (COMUSFLTFORCOM) is designated as the Joint Forces Maritime Component Commander North (JFMCC-N) to the [[U.S. Northern Command]].<ref name=Gortney/> Joint Forces Maritime Component Commander North consists of two Maritime Command Elements (MCE), with Maritime Command Element-East (MCE-E) being [[Task Force 180]] and Maritime Command Element-West (MCE-W) provided from units assigned to the [[U.S. Pacific Fleet]].<ref name=Gortney/><ref name=Guidance>{{cite web | title= USFF Commanders Guidance Brief to Senior Staff 17 Sep_FINAL | url= https://www.scribd.com/doc/108522114/USFF-Commanders-Guidance-Brief-to-Senior-Staff-17-Sep-FINAL | publisher= Scribd.com | date= 17 September 2012 | access-date= 15 March 2012 | quote= Slides 22, 43–49. | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160305195426/https://www.scribd.com/doc/108522114/USFF-Commanders-Guidance-Brief-to-Senior-Staff-17-Sep-FINAL | archive-date= 5 March 2016 | url-status= live }}</ref>

Effective 17 May 2013, Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command was officially designated as the naval component commander for the U.S. Northern Command.<ref name="DNS-33/13U102246">{{cite web | title= Fleet Forces Commander to be Naval Component for US NORTHCOM | url= http://news.usni.org/2013/05/22/document-fleet-forces-commander-to-be-naval-component-for-us-northcom | work= Documents | publisher= [[United States Navy]] | date= 22 May 2013 | access-date= 21 May 2013 | quote= OPNAVNOTE 5400 Ser DNS-33/13U102246 dated 17 May 2013. | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150611220017/http://news.usni.org/2013/05/22/document-fleet-forces-commander-to-be-naval-component-for-us-northcom | archive-date= 11 June 2015 | url-status= live }}</ref> In this new capacity, the Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command is to contribute to the defense of North America through the coordination, collaboration, and communication with allied, coalition, and joint forces within the U.S. Northern Command's [[area of responsibility]].<ref name="DNS-33/13U102246"/> Under this reorganization, the [[Commander, Navy Installations Command (United States)|Commander, Navy Installations Command]] is responsible for area coordination for U.S. Naval Forces Northern Command.<ref name="DNS-33/13U102246"/> Additionally, Commander, [[Navy Region Mid-Atlantic]] is responsible for regional coordination for U.S. Naval Forces Northern Command.<ref name="DNS-33/13U102246"/>

===Maritime Operations===
The Maritime Operations directorate leads all phases of the pre-deployment fleet response training plan (FRTP) cycle involving those naval units assigned to the Fleet Forces Command. The directorate transitions all naval units from their operational phase to their tactical phase prior to their overseas deployment.<ref name=Gortney/><ref name=Guidance/>

The Director of Maritime Operations (DMO) is an active-duty two-star [[Rear admiral (United States)#Rear admiral|rear admiral]] in the [[U.S. Navy]] while the Deputy Director of Maritime Operations is a one-star [[Rear admiral (United States)#Rear admiral (lower half)|rear admiral]] from the [[United States Naval Reserve]].<ref name=Guidance/> As of 2013, the DMO was Rear Admiral Dan Cloyd.  Maritime Operations is organized into the following directorates:<ref name=Guidance/>

* '''N2/39''' – Intelligence and Information Warfare
* '''N3/N5''' – Joint / Fleet Operations
** '''N31''' – Maritime Operations Center (MOC)
* '''N041''' – Global Force Management
* '''N042''' – Force Protection
* '''N7''' – Joint / Fleet Training

===Maritime Headquarters===
The Maritime Headquarters (MHQ) leads all phases prior to the pre-deployment training cycle, including resourcing, policy development, assessment, procurement, and pre-introduction of naval units assigned to the Fleet Forces Command.  The MHQ transitions all naval units from their strategical phase to their operational phase prior to their pre-deployment training cycle, and in the capacity, it supports the Maritime Operations Center.<ref name=Gortney/><ref name=Guidance/> The Director of Maritime Headquarters (DMHQ) is an active-duty two-star [[Rear admiral (United States)#Rear admiral|rear admiral]] in the [[U.S. Navy]] while the Deputy Director of Maritime Headquarters is a one-star [[Rear admiral (United States)#Rear admiral (lower half)|rear admiral]] from the [[United States Naval Reserve]].<ref name=Guidance/> As of July 2013, the DMHQ was Rear Admiral [[Bradley R. Gehrke]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.navy.mil/navydata/bios/navybio.asp?bioID=416|title=Rear Admiral Mark D. Guadagnini Director, Maritime Headquarters, U.S. Fleet Forces Command|date=6 December 2012|publisher=United States Navy|work=Official Biography|access-date=20 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130313031034/http://www.navy.mil/navydata/bios/navybio.asp?bioID=416|archive-date=13 March 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> The Maritime Headquarters is organized into the following directorates:<ref name=Guidance/>

* '''N1''' – Fleet Personnel Development and Allocation (including information architecture management and Navy Security Forces)
* '''N41''' – Fleet Ordnance and Supply
* '''N43''' – Fleet Maintenance
* '''N45/46''' – Fleet Installations and Environment
* '''N6''' – Fleet Communications and Information Systems
* '''N8/N9''' – Fleet Capabilities, Requirements, Concepts, and Experimentation (including missile defense)
* '''N03FS''' – Fleet Safety and Occupational Health
* '''N03G''' – Fleet Religious Ministries
* '''N03H''' – Fleet Surgeon and Health Services
* '''N03M''' – Fleet Marine

===Subordinate commands===
U.S. Fleet Forces Subordinate Commands include the following:<ref name=links>[http://www.public.navy.mil/usff/Pages/Links.aspx] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012075953/http://www.public.navy.mil/usff/Pages/Links.aspx |date=12 October 2012 }}, U.S. Fleet Forces Command. Accessed 26 September 2012.</ref>
*U.S. Naval Forces Northern Command
**[[Combined Joint Operations from the Sea Center of Excellence]] (CJOS COE)
**President, [[Board of Inspection and Survey]] (INSURV)
**[[Military Sealift Command]] (MSC)
**[[Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command]] (CNMOC) (COMNAVMETOCCOM)<ref name=NMOC>[http://www.navmetoccom.navy.mil/] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120608023545/http://www.navmetoccom.navy.mil/ |date=8 June 2012 }}, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command. Accessed 26 September 2012.</ref>
**Navy Munitions Command (NMC)
**[[Navy Warfare Development Command]] (NWDC)

===Type commands===
{{main|U.S. Navy type commands}}
All ships are organized into categories by type. Aircraft carriers, aircraft squadrons, and air stations are under the administrative control of the appropriate Commander Naval Air Force. Submarines come under the Commander Submarine Force. All other ships fall under Commander Naval Surface Force.  Type commands for Fleet Forces Command include:
* [[Commander, Naval Air Force U.S. Atlantic Fleet|Naval Air Force U.S. Atlantic Fleet (AIRLANT)]]
* [[ComSubLant|Submarine Force U.S. Atlantic Fleet (SUBLANT)]]
* [[Commander, Naval Surface Forces Atlantic|Naval Surface Forces Atlantic (NAVSURFLANT)]]
* [[Navy Expeditionary Combat Command|Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC)]]
* [[U.S. Naval Information Forces| Naval Information Forces (NAVIFOR)]]

===Task forces===
Functional mission task forces execute force-wide Fleet logistic functions as well as providing capabilities for Joint contingency operations.  These functional mission task forces include:<ref name=Guidance/>

* [[Task Force 80]] – Maritime Headquarters – Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command (MHQ – COMUSFF)
* Task Force 83<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.msc.navy.mil/msclant/default.asp |title=Task Force 83 |access-date=24 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130616063935/http://www.msc.navy.mil/msclant/default.asp |archive-date=16 June 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> – Logistics – Military Sealift Command Atlantic (LOG – MSCLANT)
* [[Task Force 84]] – Theater Antisubmarine Warfare Commander – Commander Submarine Force (TASC – CSL)
* [[Task Force 85]] – Mine Warfare – Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center – MIW Division (MIW – SMWDC MIW)
* [[Task Force 86]] – Defense Support of Civil Authorities – [[Navy Expeditionary Combat Command]] (DSCA – COMNECC)
* [[Task Force 87]] – Reconnaissance – Commander Patrol and Reconnaissance Group (RECON – CPRG)<ref name="DNS-33/12U102106">{{cite web | title= Rename and Modify Mission of Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group Atlantic and Change Immediate Superior in Command of Patrol Squadron Three Zero | url= http://doni.daps.dla.mil/Directives/05000%20General%20Management%20Security%20and%20Safety%20Services/05-400%20Organization%20and%20Functional%20Support%20Services/5400.2106.pdf | work= Documents | publisher= [[United States Navy]] | date= 9 July 2012 | access-date= 8 October 2013 | quote= DNS-33/12U102106.  Formerly known as Patrol and Reconnaissance Group Atlantic. | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130226044043/https://doni.daps.dla.mil/Directives/05000%20General%20Management%20Security%20and%20Safety%20Services/05-400%20Organization%20and%20Functional%20Support%20Services/5400.2106.pdf | archive-date= 26 February 2013 | url-status= dead }}</ref>
* [[Task Force 89]] – Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief – Expeditionary Strike Group Two (HADR – ESG 2)
* Task Force 883 – Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command
** Task Group 883.1 – Hampton Roads
** Task Group 883.2 – [[United States Fourth Fleet]]
** Task Group 883.5 – Military Sealift Command Atlantic (MSCLANT)
** Task Group 883.6 – [[Submarine Group 10]] (SUBGRU 10)
** Task Group 883.7 – [[Submarine Group 2]] (SUBGRU 2)
** Task Group 883.8 – Naval aircraft – [[Commander, Naval Air Force U.S. Atlantic Fleet]]
** Task Group 883.9 – [[Naval Weapons Station Earle]]

====Joint operations task forces====
When constituted as a joint-service task force for [[Joint warfare]] operations, functional mission task forces for the U.S. Fleet Forces Command are given a 18X designation as shown below.<ref name=Guidance/>

* [[Task Force 180]] – Maritime Headquarters – Joint Forces Maritime Component Commander North (MHQ – COMUSFF)
* Task Force 183 – Logistics – Military Sealift Command Atlantic (LOG – MSCLANT)
** Task Group 183.1 – Hampton Roads
** Task Group 183.2 – [[United States Fourth Fleet]]
** Task Group 183.5 – Military Sealift Command Atlantic (MSCLANT)
** Task Group 183.6 – [[ComSubLant#Commander.2C Submarine Group 2|Submarine Group Ten]] (SUBGRU 10)
** Task Group 183.7 – [[ComSubLant#Commander.2C Submarine Group 10 (COMSUBGRU Ten)|Submarine Group Two]] (SUBGRU 2)
** Task Group 183.8 – Naval aircraft – Naval Air Force U.S. Atlantic Fleet
** Task Group 183.9 – [[Naval Weapons Station Earle]]
* Task Force 184 – Theater Antisubmarine Warfare Commander – Commander Submarine Force (TASC – [[COMNAVSUBFOR]])
* Task Force 185 – Mine Warfare – Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center – MIW Division (MIW – SMWDC MIW)
* Task Force 186 – Defense Support of Civil Authorities – [[Navy Expeditionary Combat Command]] (DSCA – COMNECC)
* Task Force 187 – Reconnaissance – Commander Patrol and Reconnaissance Group (RECON – CPRG)<ref name="DNS-33/12U102106"/>
* Task Force 189 – Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief – Expeditionary Strike Group Two (HADR – ESG 2)

==List of commanders==
{{Main|Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command}}

==See also==
*[[List of units of the United States Navy]]
*[[United States Pacific Fleet]]
'''U.S. Armed Forces operations commands'''
*[[United States Army Forces Command]]
*[[United States Marine Corps Forces Command]]
*[[Air Combat Command]]
*[[Air Force Global Strike Command]]
*[[Space Operations Command]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

==Further reading==
*{{cite web|access-date=14 May 2007|url=http://www.naval-history.net/WW2USN193909.htm|work=United States Navy and World War II|title=Strict Neutrality – Britain and France at War with Germany: September 1939 – May 1940|publisher=Naval-History.net |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061118003814/http://www.naval-history.net/WW2USN193909.htm <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 18 November 2006}}
* {{cite book | last=Hutchins | first=Susan G. |author2=William G. Kemple |author3=David L. Kleinman |author4=Scot Miller |author5=Karl Pfeiffer |author6=Shawn Weil |author7=Zachary Horn |author8=Matthew Puglisi |author9=Elliot Entin   | year=2009 | title= Maritime Headquarters with Maritime Operations Center: A Research Agenda for Experimentation | publisher=[[Naval Postgraduate School]] | location=Monterey, California | url=http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA503039| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130409223124/http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA503039| url-status=dead| archive-date=9 April 2013}}
* {{cite journal | last=Lawlor | first=Maryann |title= A New Role for Maritime Headquarters |url= http://www.afcea.org/content/?q=node/1420 |journal= [[SIGNAL Magazine (official publication of AFCEA)|SIGNAL]] |publisher= [[AFCEA]] |location= Fairfax, Virginia |date= November 2007 |access-date= 18 March 2013}}
*{{cite web|access-date=14 May 2007|url=http://www.history.navy.mil/download/ww2-4.pdf| title=The Neutrality Patrol: To Keep Us Out of World War II?|author=Capt. William E. Scarborough, USN (Ret.)|publisher=Naval Historical Center, United States Navy}}

==External links==
* [http://www.usff.navy.mil U.S. Fleet Forces Command] official website
* [http://www.navy.mil/local/clf/ U.S. Fleet Forces Command website]
* [http://www.public.navy.mil/usff/Pages/history.aspx Former commanders of U.S. Fleet Forces Command] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190511002700/https://www.public.navy.mil/usff/Pages/history.aspx |date=11 May 2019 }}
* [http://www.public.navy.mil/usff/Pages/history.aspx History] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190511002700/https://www.public.navy.mil/usff/Pages/history.aspx |date=11 May 2019 }} (U.S. Fleet Forces Command website)

{{US Navy navbox}}

[[Category:Commands of the United States Navy]]
[[Category:Organizations based in Norfolk, Virginia]]
[[Category:Military in Norfolk, Virginia]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1906]]
[[Category:1906 establishments in the United States]]
[[Category:United States Strategic Command]]