Imperial Admiral

Imperial Admiral is a Covenant Sangheili (Elite) rank. They are the commanders of the entire Covenant fleet. Only one Elite has been known to achieve this rank.

Summary
Usually an Imperial Admiral operates on a high ranking Covenant Flagship such as an Assault Carrier, Supercarrier, or other powerful capital ships within the Covenant armada. Also, given the fact that they are not seen in combat, they are more likely stationed at command and control stations like Joyous Exultation. They seem to be higher ranked than a Zealot, but this is not known for sure. It is revealed in Halo: Ghosts of Onyx that the Imperial Admiral controls the fleet of the covenant. No Sangheili of this rank appears in any of the Halo games. It is also unknown if when Xytan 'Jar Wattinree defected from the Covenant if the Prophets replaced him with a Brute, or if the position is still empty. As of yet, very little is known about the rank.

The armor is like that of a councilor: silver armor covered with the gold Forerunner glyphs of Sacred Mystery. Such silver-and-gold Elite armor has yet to be seen or mentioned elsewhere, and may be superior in quality to the gold armor of a Zealot.

As described in the book, the Imperial Admiral was a lower position than councilor and prophets, but because of the trials in attaining the Imperial Admiral rank, that Sangheili(individual) had become more respected and thus more powerful than the prophets themselves. It can only be speculated but because there is only one Imperial Admiral, Sangheili are appointed to the position and are likely that rank until they can no longer perform their duties to the Covenant.

Known Imperial Admirals

 * Xytan 'Jar Wattinree