FADM

Military abbreviation · US Navy and Coast Guard Rank

FADM
Stands forFleet Admiral
CategoriesMilitary

FADM stands for Fleet Admiral, a US Navy and coast guard rank abbreviation.

Five-star US Navy rank created in December 1944, equal to General of the Army. Four officers held it: William D. Leahy, Ernest J. King, Chester W. Nimitz and William F. Halsey Jr., the last promoted in December 1945.

Example: Nimitz, promoted to FADM in December 1944, signed the Japanese surrender for the United States.

Usage notes

Leahy, chief of staff to the commander in chief, was the first American officer to receive five-star rank. Nimitz was the last surviving fleet admiral and died in 1966; the rank has not been used since. The insignia is five stars in a pentagon, and the Royal Navy equivalent is Admiral of the Fleet.

More US Navy and coast guard rank abbreviations

  • CDR – Commander
  • CMDCM – Command Master Chief
  • CN – Constructionman
  • CPO – Chief Petty Officer
  • CWO – Chief Warrant Officer
  • ENS – Ensign
  • FN – Fireman
  • HN – Hospitalman
  • LCDR – Lieutenant Commander
  • LDO – Limited Duty Officer
  • LT – Lieutenant (US Navy and Coast Guard)
  • LTJG – Lieutenant Junior Grade

See all 31 US Navy and coast guard rank abbreviations →