It is primarily known in naval history for the Dutch defeat of the Spanish in the Battle of the Downs in 1639.

The Downs served as permanent base for naval vessels operating out of Deal, Kent.

[5] It served as a base for warships patrolling the North Sea.

The command generally covered an area in the southern North Sea near the English Channel off the east Kent coast.

The station lasted until 1815, when it was absorbed into the Commander-in-Chief, The Nore's control, whose role and geographic area of responsibility was re-defined by the Admiralty.