A flag officer rank in many navies, typically commanding a squadron of ships rather than a single vessel. It sits one step above a captain and one step below a rear admiral. In the merchant marine and yacht clubs, the title is also used as an honorary designation for the senior captain of a fleet or the president of the club.
Heard on the job
The commodore wants the entire strike group ready to get underway by 0600.
Insider tip
In civilian shipping, naming a senior master the commodore of the fleet is a mark of prestige, usually given to the longest-serving captain in the company.