Commodore, or Commodore of the Fleet, was a rank in the British Royal Navy, French Royal Navy and Spanish Royal Navy, used to indicate an officer of higher status than that of a Captain, but less than that of a flag officer or Rear-Admiral. The appointment of Commodore in the English Royal Navy first began at some point in the mid-17th Century.
James Norrington achieved the position of Commodore while stationed at Port Royal in Jamaica. A formal ceremony to mark the occasion was held at Fort Charles. However, after letting Jack Sparrow go free, and subsequently failing to capture him and his ship, the Black Pearl, Norrington was disgraced and he denied his commission.
Pirates often refer to those in charge/owners of two or more ships as "Commodore." Shortly before the Battle of the Isla de Muerta, Jack Sparrow offered to command the Black Pearl under "Commodore" Barbossa's colours. Barbossa demanded 50% of the Black Pearl's plunder, but he accepted 25%.
Gallery of notable Commodores
Behind the scenes
In Pirates of the Caribbean Online, there is a weapon called Commodore's Cutlass.
Sources
- Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
- Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest
- Pirates of the Caribbean: The Visual Guide
- Pirates of the Caribbean: The Complete Visual Guide
