Fleet action

A fleet action is a naval engagement involving combat between forces that are larger than a squadron on either of the opposing sides.

Fleet action is defined by combat and not just manoeuvring of the naval forces strategically, operationally or tactically without engaging.

A general fleet action has been defined as one aimed to destroy, incapacitate or capture the enemy's main body and thereby accomplish the principal strategic objective of the war at sea.

Action against the enemy must be pushed vigorously by all hands to ensure complete destruction of his fleet.

The Battle of Leyte Gulf is considered the last surface battle fleet action in history, and one in which the Allied forces nearly destroyed the entire Japanese fleet, which lost three battleships, all four aircraft carriers, six cruisers, and more than a dozen destroyers.