Task Force (TF)

A temporary grouping of ships, aircraft, and units assigned to a commander for a specific operation or mission, the top tier of the US Navy task-organization hierarchy. A numbered fleet assigns its forces into numbered task forces (for example Task Force 70 under 7th Fleet); a task force subdivides into task groups, task units, and task elements. The structure lets a fleet commander tailor and re-task forces by mission without permanently reorganizing administrative commands.