Page "Commodore (rank)" Paragraph 5

The rank of commodore was at first a position created as a temporary title to be bestowed upon captains who commanded squadrons of more than one vessel.

In many navies, the rank of commodore was merely viewed as a senior captain position, whereas other naval services bestowed upon the rank of commodore the prestige of flag officer status ; commodore is the highest rank in the Irish Naval Service, for example, and is held by only one person.

In the Royal Navy, the position was introduced to combat the cost of appointing more admirals — a costly business with a fleet as large as the Royal Navy's at that time.