Strategy and Doctrine
Fleet in Being
Early Modern
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Fleet in being is a naval strategic doctrine under which a fleet too weak to risk open battle remains intact in port, still exerting a controlling influence simply by existing: a stronger enemy must keep its own forces concentrated and cautious against the chance the sheltering fleet could sortie, rather than being free to disperse and act elsewhere. The term was first used in 1690 by Arthur Herbert, 1st Earl of Torrington, commanding an outnumbered Royal Navy squadron against the French in the English Channel.
Facts
Core ClaimAn inferior fleet that stays in port, intact and ready, still forces a stronger enemy to keep its own forces concentrated and cautious rather than free to act elsewhere. 1 Cross-Tradition Connections
Sources
1. Wikipedia: Fleet in Being
Wikipedialead paragraphQuote, lead paragraph
A naval force that extends a controlling influence without ever leaving port.
1. Wikipedia: Fleet in Being
Wikipediaetymology/history sectionQuote, etymology/history section
The term was first used in 1690 by Lord Torrington (Arthur Herbert, 1st Earl of Torrington), who commanded Royal Navy forces in the English Channel when facing a stronger French fleet.
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