Fleet Organisation

Due to the limited number of Alliance vessels, the fleet was structured in a way that allowed patrol over large expanses. Emphasising aggression, small unit tactics, flexibility and rapid response.

Numbered Fleets

Comprising Dreadnought Strike Group, Carrier Strike Group, 3 Strike Groups a Reconnaissance Group, a Logistics Group and 2 Orbital Patrol Groups, Alliance fleets averaged between 130 and 160 vessels and were the largest formation of ships in the Systems Alliance. Alliance fleets functioned as a rapid response force. The bulk of a fleet would be stationed as a strategically important Mass Relay junction (System containing at least 3 Mass Relays) and would be able respond to attacks in their sector of Alliance Space within 24 hours. A fleet consisted of the following vessels:

- 1 Dreadnought

- 1 Carrier

- 16 Cruisers

- 70-90 Frigates

- 30 Corvettes

- 17 Replenishment Ships

- 1-2 Tug boats

- 2 Rescue and Recovery ships

At their peak in 2186, the Alliance had 10 fleets.

Groups

Groups were composed of 10 to 15 ships grouped for a single task and operation together. A fleet was made up of 9 combined Groups. Group were permanent units within a fleet, but were designed so that Group elements such as Flotillas and individual ships could be temporarily detached from their own Group to operate independently or atatch to another Group to provide support and increase it's capabilities. Using this system, a highly specific, tailored unit of any size or function could be assembled.

Dreadnought Strike Group

Dreadnought Strike Groups forms the centre piece of the fleet. Consisting of 2 Attack Flotillas formed around A Dreadnought. Due to the value of a Dreadnought, the Dreadnought Strike Group does not patrol. The Dreadnought Strike Group remains stationed with the rest of the fleet unless a full fleet action is required. In which case, the DSG would lead the fleet into battle, supported by additional Flotillas. A Dreadnought Strike Group was composed of the following:

- 1 Dreadnought

- 2 Cruisers

- 8-12 Frigates

At their peak in 2186, the Alliance had 9 Dreadnought Strike Groups.

Carrier Strike Groups

Carrier Strike Groups are largely similar in composition to a Dreadnought Strike Group. With 2 Attack Flotillas formed around a Carrier. Carriers are the largest transport vessels in Alliance Space. Like Dreadnought Strike Groups, Carrier Strike Groups don't patrol. Remaining stationed with the rest of the fleet until needed. Carriers typically provide fighter support during full fleet actions and provide the bulk of the man power during planetary assaults. Alliance doctrine requires one Carrier constructed per Dreadnought. A Carrier Strike Group was composed of the following:

- 1 Carrier

- 2 Cruisers

- 8-12 Frigates

At their peak in 2186, the Alliance had 9 Carrier Strike Groups.

Strike Groups

Strike Groups made up the bulk of the fleet's striking power. Consisting of 3 Attack Flotillas, these Groups supported and defended the Dreadnought Strike Group in combat. A fleet had 3 Strike Groups in it's formation. Outside of major fleet actions, Strike Groups break apart into their individual Flotillas for patrol purposes. A Strike Group was composed of the following:

- 3 Cruisers

- 12-18 Frigates

Reconnaissance Groups

Reconnaissance Groups were the scouting formation of a fleet. Consisting of 3 Scout Flotillas. When the fleet is on the move in full formation, the Reconnaissance Group surrounded the fleet on all sides. Often operating dozens of kilometers apart. Actively monitoring the fleet's surroundings and alerting the main formation to incoming threats. Outside of major fleet actions, Reconnaissance Groups break up into their individual Flotillas for patrol purposes. A Reconnaissance Group was composed of the Following:

- 3 Cruisers

- 12-18 Frigates

- Prior to the formation of the 9th Fleet, Reconnaissance Groups also included 2 Stealth Frigates

Logistics Groups

Logistics Group is a blanket term for the unarmed support ships of the fleet. The Logistics Group works closely with Logistics Command and is responsible for underway replenishment as well as search, rescue and recovery of fleet assets. A Logistics Group included the following:

- 17 Replenishment ships

- 1-2 Tug boats

- 2 Rescue and Recovery ships

Orbital Patrol Groups

Orbital Patrol Groups, colloquially called Coastguard or Corvette Groups, are the fleet's Corvette formations. OPGs are fleet Groups typically used for light patrol duties in the orbit of planet or military space stations used by the fleet. A fleet has two OPGs. An Orbital Patrol Group consists of the following:

- 15 Corvettes

Medical Group

The official name for the Alliance's fleet of hospital ships. Though every active Alliance vessel possess top-of-the-line medical facilities, these facilities don't have the capacity or equipment to handle the medical needs of wound soldiers coming straight off the battlefield during war. Hospital ship's serve as Cruiser-sized mobile hospitals, each capable of providing the best medical care to thousands of soldiers or civilians at a time in both wartime and humanitarian situations. Under interstellar law, hospital ships operating on the front-lines of war are not allowed to be targeted by the enemy as long as they do not serve a military purpose. Hospital ships are crewed by civilian personnel, do not possess armour or any armament(defensive or offensive) and don't utilise military-grade sensor and communications technology. The Medical Group consists of the Following:

- 10 Nightingale-class Hospital ships

Flotillas

Attack Flotillas

Attack Flotillas were comprised of a Cruiser and 4 to 6 Frigates. Their primary role was conventional naval combat Attack Flotillas grouped together to form Strike Groups. Attack Flotillas grouped with Dreadnoughts and Carriers to form Dreadnought and Carrier Strike Groups respectively. Attack Flotillas were the primary patrol formation of the Alliance Navy. During patrol an Attack Flotilla would seperate into it's individual ships, to patrol over great distances, but still remain close enough to remain in contact with each other and respond to an attack on a member of the Flotilla.

Scout Flotillas

On the surface, there isn't much of a difference between an Attack and a Scout Flotilla. Like an Attack Flotillas, a Scout Flotilla consists of a Cruiser and 4 to 6 Frigates. Where, they do differ is in their role. Their primary role is scouting and reconnaissance. Scout Flotillas grouped together to form Reconnaissance Groups. Focusing on rconnaissance and infiltration, the individual ships of a Scout Flotilla often operated a lot more independently than Attack Flotillas. It's not unheard of to find ships belonging to the same Scout Flotilla in completely separate star clusters.

Fleets

The Alliance Fleet was continuously reorganised, with their assigned territories of defence in constant flux as Alliance Space expanded. This was especially true in the 2180, when fleet numbers swelled and ship duties changed every few months. The following is the Alliance Fleet's organisation in 2186. The Alliance possessed 9 core fleets. 2 Sol defence fleets, 4 Colony defence fleets and 3 fleets forward deployed outside Alliance Space.

First Fleet

The Systems Alliance Navy's First Fleet, commonly known as the Home Fleet, were the oldest, continually active fleet in the Systems Alliance. Constituted in 2149, this fleet was originally comprised of ships originally operated by the United Nations Navy. First Fleet was home ported at Luna Naval Base, Sol, and permanently stationed in the Sol system. In 2156, the fleet was temporarily moved to Arcturus Station and guarded the gateway to Sol. Two years later, the Third Fleet entered service, taking up the role of the Arcturus Fleet, allowing the First Fleet to return to Sol. In 2180, when the Alliance began expanding their navy, the first thing they did was bolster the First Fleet, by adding an additional Dreadnought and doubling it's numbers. Comprising 2 Dreadnought Strike Groups, 2 Carrier Strike Groups, 6 Strike Groups, 2 Reconnaissance Groups, 4 Orbital Patrol Groups and a Logistics Group. For a total of 260 to 320 ships. The officer in charge of the First Fleet was Admiral Ines Lindholm, who flew his flag from the Kilimanjaro-class Dreadnought, SSV Tai Shan. During the 1st Battle of Earth, the First Fleet was stationed near the Charon Relay in order to Intercept any Reaper forces that make it through. By the time Admiral Hackett ordered the retreat, the Reapers had already been cut in half, with a 10th of the remaining vessels lost as they covered the fleet's retreat. The First Fleet would join Sword Fleet in the 2nd Battle of Earth.

Second Fleet

Formed in 2155, the Second Fleet was originally known as the Colony Fleet. The formation of a second Fleet allowed humanity to have a dedicated Home Fleet. The Second Fleet was made famous in 2157, when under the command of Admiral Kastanie Drescher aboard the Everest-class Dreadnought, SSV Elbrus, it lead the liberation of Shanxi, marking a turning point for the First Contact War.

During the 1st Battle of Earth, the 2nd Fleet helped defend Arcturus Station along with the 3rd and 5th. Admiral Hackett was eventually forced to sacrifice the entire fleet in order for the other two to retreat.

Third Fleet

Formed in 2158, the Third Fleet was also known as the Arcturus Fleet. Forming part of Earth's defence fleet, the Third Fleet was the first Line of defence in the case of a planetary invasion. When the Fith Fleet entered service in 2182, it assumed responsibility of Arcturus' defence.

Though still home ported at Arcturus, the Third Fleet was stationed in the nearby Exodus Cluster. During the 1st Battle of Earth, the Third Fleet helped defend Arcturus Station, Commanded by Admiral Nitesh Singh aboard the Kilimanjaro-class Dreadnought, SSV Logan, suffering a massive blow to it's numbers. With the loss of the Logan, the remnants of the Third Fleet were placed into what remained of the Fith Fleet.

Fourth Fleet

The Fourth Fleet was formed in 2182. as the 2nd colony defence fleet, spread out across Alliance Space.

The flagship of the 4th Fleet was the Kilimanjaro-class Dreadnought, SSV Shasta. During the 1st Battle of Earth, the fleet was stationed in orbit of Earth as a last line of defence, but never stood a chance and was completely obliterated.

Fifth Fleet

The Fifth Fleet was formed in 2182. It replaced the Third Fleet as the Arcturus Fleet, allowing Third Fleet to become the Third colony defence fleet. Fifth Fleet was home ported at Arcturus Station and was permanently stationed in the orbit of both Arcturus and the Sol Relay. The Fifth Fleet was made famous in 2183, when Admiral Steven Hackett, aboard the Dreadnought, SSV Kilimanjaro, lead the fleet in the defence of the Citadel during the battle of the Citadel, at the cost of 11 Cruisers.

The Fleet was restored by 2186 and Hackett was promoted to Fleet Admiral. From aboard the Kilimanjaro, Hackett led the Fifth Fleet, along with the Second and Third in the defence of Arcturus during the 1st Battle of Earth. In the face of overwhelming odds and the destruction of large portions of the fleets, Hackett was forced to order a full retreat, sacrificing the Second Fleet and abandoning both Arcturus Station and Earth in order to fight another day. Admiral Hackett, himself considers the battle to be the largest military defeat in human history. The Fith Fleet would then go on to lead Shield Fleet in the 2nd Battle of Earth, with the Kilimanjaro being the only human Dreadnought to survive the battle.

Sixth Fleet

The Sixth Fleet was formed in 2183. Under the command of the Dreadnought, SSV Fuji, this fleet was forward deployed to the Attican Traverse, In order to guard the boarder between Citadel Space and the Terminus Systems. Considering that the Traverse was on the other side of Alliance Space from the Citadel, an Alliance fleet was deemed best suited for the task.

In 2185, following a series of mysterious abductions of entire human settlements in the Traverse, Sixth Fleet was tasked with bolstering the defences of the outer colonies.

In 2186, the Sixth Fleet was stationed at Terra nova in the nearby Exodus Cluster to defend the colony. The Reapers completely bypassed the fleet on their way to Earth. The fleet would later join the 1st and 5th Fleets on the run. The Sixth Fleet would then join Sword Fleet in the 2nd Battle of Earth.

Seventh Fleet

The Seventh Fleet entered service in 2184 and was forward deployed to turian space, under the command of Admiral Hannah Shepherd aboard the Kilimanjaro-class Dreadnoughts, SSV Orizaba. The Seventh Fleet gave the Alliance a foothold deeper in Council Space and improved the reaction time of the Alliance against threats in the region.

In 2186, the Seventh Fleet was stationed at Eden Prime in the nearby Exodus Cluster to defend the colony. The Reapers completely bypassed the fleet on their way to Earth. The fleet would later join the 1st and 5th Fleets on the run. The Seventh Fleet would then Join Sword Fleet in the 2nd Battle of Earth.

Eighth Fleet

The Eighth Fleet was formed in 2185 as the 4th colony defence fleet, under the command of the Kilimanjaro-class Dreadnought, SSV Aconcagua.

In 2186, when the Alliance lost contact with two of their deep space outposts, the Eighth Fleet was sent to investigate When they encountered the Reapers, they were unable to stop their advance and attempted to regroup at a secret Alliance station orbiting Ontarom, but were ambushed by Reaper forces. Throughout the war, the fleet's surviving ships harassed the Reaper fleet, giving cover to colonists fleeing the area and defending a strategic communications hub on Ontarom's surface. Asides from the SSV Normandy, Eighth Fleet was the only Alliance force actively engaged against Reaper forces prior to the 2nd Battle of Earth. By the time the battle came, there was almost nothing left of the fleet.

Ninth Fleet

Also called the Stealth Fleet, this fleet was the smallest fleet in the Alliance Navy and was closer in size to a Group than a fleet. The Alliance commissioned the Normandy-class Stealth Frigate in 2183. A revolutionary vessel with state-of-the-art stealth technology. Though the class leader, the SSV Normandy, was destroyed, the Alliance did build 18 more of the ship. They were spread out among the various fleets and typically served as the backbone of Reconnaissance Groups. This all changed in 2185, when the Alliance got hold of the Normandy SR-2. A stealth ship constructed by the pro-human paramilitary organisation, Cerberus. The ship was based on the design of and named after the original SSV Normandy, though she was far more advanced than a Normandy-Class Frigate and almost twice the size. Just large enough to serve as a flagship.

The Alliance had the opportunity to consolidate all their Stealth ships into a single fleet with commanded by Admiral David Anderson aboard the Normandy SR-2 With a completely undetectable fleet, the Alliance would be able to gain a foothold in the lawless Terminus Systems and have the capability to monitor and even impact the Terminus Systems without risking all out war.

These plans would never be realised as, while the ships of the Stealth Fleet were being retrofitted on Earth for their role, the 1st Battle of Earth began. The Normandy-Class Frigates were launched early in order to assist the Fourth Fleet in the battle. All Normandy-Class Frigates were subsequently destroyed. The SSV Normandy SR-2 herself managed to escape Sol with Commander Shepherd and vital intelligence that would inevitably win them the war. While the rest of the Alliance Navy recuperated and prepared for round 2 against, the Reapers, the Normandy would remain active in an attempt to gather allies to take Earth back.