Commodore is a naval rank that sits above captain but below admiral. In the US Navy and many other navies, a commodore commands a group of ships called a squadron, or oversees an important naval base. The rank gives someone authority over multiple vessels and their captains, making strategic decisions about how those ships work together.

The rank became important during the age of sailing ships, when fleets needed leaders who could coordinate several vessels during battles or long voyages. A commodore might command several ships on a mission, deciding their formations, routes, and tactics.

The title also appears in yacht clubs, where the commodore is the elected leader who oversees the club's activities and represents its members. This civilian use honors the nautical heritage of the term without involving military command.

Some famous commodores changed history: Commodore Matthew Perry helped open Japan to Western trade in the 1850s, and Commodore John Barry is sometimes called a father of the American Navy. The rank shows that leadership can mean coordinating many people and resources toward a shared goal.