Which rank typically has the authority to command several ships simultaneously?

The rank of Fleet Admiral signifies the highest possible rank in the U.S. Navy, typically reserved for wartime and held by only a few individuals throughout history. This rank is characterized by its command over a large-scale naval operation and the authority to oversee several fleets or groups of ships simultaneously. The responsibilities of a Fleet Admiral include strategic planning, coordination of multiple vessels, and overall operational command, which stands apart from the authority held by lower ranks. Other ranks, such as Commodore, Captain, or Lieutenant Commander, operate within a more limited scope, often commanding single ships or smaller groups, leaving the broader coordination of multiple ships to a Fleet Admiral.