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{{Era|Covenant|Human|UNSC|HCW}}
{{Status|Canon}}
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[[File:H2A Terminals - Sacred Consecration 2.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The [[Fleet of Sacred Consecration]] en route to [[Earth]].]]
[[File:HC defensive fleet.png|thumb|300px|The [[High Charity defense fleet]], the Covenant's central fleet.]]
The '''Covenant fleet''' is a general term for the vast space-borne naval components of the [[Covenant]]'s [[Covenant military|military forces]].<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 226''</ref><ref>'''[[Halo: The Great Journey: The Art of Building Worlds]]''', ''page 72''</ref> Their roles included ship-to-ship combat, [[Glassing|orbital bombardment]], the deployment of fighters and bombers and the method of delivery for the Covenant's occupational ground forces. At its height, the Covenant fielded thousands of warships, most being able to carry fighters, dropships, ground troops and vehicles; after the [[Human-Covenant War]], most of these fell under the control of the various [[Covenant remnants]]. Each Covenant fleet unit is essentially a fully-rounded armada, and is given a unique name with religious connotations similar to how Covenant vessels and colony worlds are named by their beliefs.
The '''Covenant fleet''' is a general term for the vast space-borne naval components of the [[Covenant]]'s [[Covenant military|military forces]].<ref>''Halo: Contact Harvest'', p. 226</ref><ref>''[[Halo: The Great Journey: The Art of Building Worlds]]'', p. 72</ref> Their roles included ship-to-ship combat, [[Glassing|orbital bombardment]], the deployment of fighters and bombers and the method of delivery for the Covenant's occupational ground forces. At its height, the Covenant fielded thousands of warships, most being able to carry fighters, dropships, ground troops and vehicles. Each Covenant fleet unit is essentially a fully-rounded armada, and is given a unique name with religious connotations similar to how Covenant vessels and colony worlds are named by their beliefs.


Although the Covenant's collective naval forces are referenced in some contexts as the '''Covenant Navy''',<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=thesoundofsack '''Bungie.net''': ''The Tru7h About Co-Op in Halo 3'']</ref><ref>[http://www.spartangames.co.uk/halo-busts-now-shipping '''Spartan Games''': ''Halo Busts Now Shipping'']</ref> the Covenant did not maintain distinct service branches in the same manner as the [[United Nations Space Command]] and traditional human militaries; instead, the Covenant fleets fell under the authority of various ministerial organizations.<ref>''See [[Covenant military#Organization]]''</ref>
Although the Covenant's collective naval forces are referenced in some contexts as the '''Covenant Navy''',{{Ref/Site|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=thesoundofsack|Site=Bungie.net|Page=The Tru7h About Co-Op in Halo 3}}{{Ref/Site|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=http://www.spartangames.co.uk/halo-busts-now-shipping|Site=Spartan Games|Page=Halo Busts Now Shipping}} the Covenant did not maintain distinct service branches in the same manner as the [[United Nations Space Command]] and traditional human militaries; instead, the Covenant fleets fell under the authority of various [[Ministry|ministerial organisations]].<ref>''See [[Covenant military#Organization]]''</ref>


==History==
After the Covenant's defeat at the end of the [[Human-Covenant War]], most of these scattered assets fell under the control of the various [[Covenant remnants]].
===Great Schism===
Throughout the majority of the Covenant civil conflict known as the [[Great Schism]], the Covenant military was violently splintered between those who continued to believe in the [[San'Shyuum|Prophets']] wisdom and [[Swords of Sanghelios|those]] who followed [[Arbiter]] [[Thel 'Vadam]] and opposed the Prophets' rule. As the battle raged, the [[Prophet of Truth|High Prophet of Truth]] formally transferred command of the navy to the [[Jiralhanae]], a position once exclusively held by the [[Sangheili]]. The Sangheili wiped out the majority of the Covenant fleet at the [[Battle of Installation 00]].
 
Soon after the outbreak of the Schism, Sangheili numbers were reduced by a pair of disasters. At [[Joyous Exultation]], the massive [[Combined Fleet of Righteous Purpose]], headed by [[Imperial Admiral]] [[Xytan 'Jar Wattinree]] aboard the [[CSO-class supercarrier|supercarrier]] ''[[Sublime Transcendence]]'', was consumed by a [[NOVA bomb]]. [[Onyx Conflict|At Onyx]], a battle group headed by the cruiser ''[[Incorruptible]]'' was destroyed by the [[Forerunner]] [[Onyx Sentinel|Sentinels]] that comprised the artificial planet.
 
Due to this disarray, the only Sangheili fleet to fight in the last battles of the war was the [[Fleet of Retribution]], which was led by the [[CAS-class assault carrier|assault carrier]] ''[[Shadow of Intent]]''. During the battles of [[Voi]] and the Ark the Jiralhanae-led loyalist fleet was mostly limited to [[Truth's fleet]], which outnumbered the Sangheili three to one by the time of the [[Battle of Installation 00]]. This fleet contained a number of battlecruisers and assault carriers, led by Truth's [[Forerunner Dreadnought]].


==Organization==
==Organization==
[[File:H2A - Arrival of High Charity.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The [[High Charity defense fleet|''High Charity'' defense fleet]] exiting [[slipspace]] over [[Installation 05]].]]
[[File:H2A - Arrival of High Charity.jpg|thumb|250px|The [[High Charity defense fleet|''High Charity'' defense fleet]] exiting [[slipspace]] over [[Installation 05]].]]
Despite the seemingly monolithic nature of its armed forces, the Covenant does not maintain a single standing navy. Instead, its fleets are partitioned between several ministries, expanding and contracting as their parent ministry's influence waxes and wanes in prestige and influence, of which the most notable were the [[Ministry of Resolution]], the [[Ministry of Fervent Intercession]], and the [[Ministry of Tranquility]].<ref name=HFBCRB>'''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]''', ''Core Rule Book p. 7''</ref>
Despite the seemingly monolithic nature of its armed forces, the Covenant does not maintain a single standing navy. Instead, its fleets are partitioned between several martial and [[Ministry|ministerial organisations]], expanding and contracting as their parent ministry's influence waxes and wanes in prestige and influence.{{Ref/Reuse|HFBCRB}} Fleets could be broadly split into two major groupings:
;High Fleets
<!--High Fleet is presented in the Encyclopedia as a proper noun, and is thus properly capitalised.-->
*High Fleets were those fleets assembled by direct order of the Covenant's [[High Council]], for a wide range of responsibilities including the location of [[Forerunner]] artefact sites and pursuing clues related to the search for the [[Halo Array]] - and were thus typically deployed on the outermost peripheries of Covenant space. Assignment to these fleets were officially positions of great honour, but in practice were often used to discretely exile powerful, charismatic and influential Sangheili into positions far from the political centre of power. Custodians of High Fleets were granted numerous ceremonial titles and names, but in practice their legacies were little more than treasure hunters on the empire's borders.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22}}
;Ministerial fleets
*Ministry fleets were those fleets distributed under the control of the various Covenant ministries - of which the most notable were the [[Ministry of Resolution]], the [[Ministry of Fervent Intercession]], and the [[Ministry of Tranquility]].<ref name=HFBCRB>''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]'', Core Rule Book, p. 7</ref> Ministry fleets consisted of vast armadas commanded by a single [[Supreme Commander]], the foremost among numerous [[Fleetmaster]]s each tasked with command of their own subordinate fleets. A Supreme Commander's word was law, and could only be overruled by the parent ministry, the High Council or the Hierarchs themselves - though could be challenged by a fleet's assigned [[Minor Prophet]].{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22|Enc22|Page=238-239}}


Fleets under the Ministry of Resolution were originally tasked with patrolling Covenant space, protecting shipping and eradicating pirates, but was vastly expanded during the early stages of the Human-Covenant War to serve as deep-space exploration units beyond the fringe, protection for Ministry of Tranquility [[missionary ship]]s, and front-line units in the conquest and destruction of humanity.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]], ''pages 10, 11, 175''</ref> As the war with humanity wore on, the Covenant were forced to transfer patrol units to front-line fleets to replace combat losses, hoping to hide the damage humanity was managing to inflict from Sangheili leaders. Being posted to a fleet under the Ministry of Resolution was considered honorable, due to being removed from normal society for extended periods.<ref name=HFBCRB/>
Fleets under the Ministry of Resolution were originally tasked with patrolling Covenant space, protecting shipping and eradicating pirates, but was vastly expanded during the early stages of the Human-Covenant War to serve as deep-space exploration units beyond the fringe, protection for Ministry of Tranquility [[missionary ship]]s, and front-line units in the conquest and destruction of humanity.<ref>''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]'', p. 10, 11, 175</ref> As the war with humanity wore on, the Covenant were forced to transfer patrol units to front-line fleets to replace combat losses, hoping to hide the damage humanity was managing to inflict from Sangheili leaders. Being posted to a fleet under the Ministry of Resolution was considered honorable, due to being removed from normal society for extended periods.<ref name=HFBCRB/>


Fleets under the Ministry of Fervent Intercession were tasked with locating and securing Forerunner worlds and artifacts, and possessed enough zealots that it was considered a semi-monastic order. Fervent Intercession fleets tended to be smaller, but acted largely independently of any external chain of command except where it served their purposes, but were able to call upon the resources of other fleets, and even directly from the colonies, due to ancient writs that dated back to the formation of the Covenant. Fleets under the Ministry of Fervent Intercession had a formidable reputation even among the Covenant, and were largely used to seize and defend Forerunner sites on human colonies during the war.<ref name=HFBCRB/>
Fleets under the Ministry of Fervent Intercession were tasked with locating and securing Forerunner worlds and artifacts, and possessed enough zealots that it was considered a semi-monastic order. Fervent Intercession fleets tended to be smaller, but acted largely independently of any external chain of command except where it served their purposes, but were able to call upon the resources of other fleets, and even directly from the colonies, due to ancient writs that dated back to the formation of the Covenant. Fleets under the Ministry of Fervent Intercession had a formidable reputation even among the Covenant, and were largely used to seize and defend Forerunner sites on human colonies during the war.<ref name=HFBCRB/>
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Fleets under the Ministry of Tranquility were, ostensibly, tasked with finding Forerunner artifacts and bringing new species into the Covenant fold. In practice, however, they functioned as little more than pirates, frequently picking off relics held by other Covenant fleets, and their so-called missionary ships were often merely slavers and raiders crewed largely by Kig-Yar. Not beholden even to the High Prophets, of whom the Prophet of Regret himself was the former Vice-Minister of Tranquility, these units rarely served as combat units during the Covenant conquest of human colonies, but would arrive to steal whatever relics had been secured from human defenders or their Covenant "allies" in the chaotic aftermath.<ref name=HFBCRB/>
Fleets under the Ministry of Tranquility were, ostensibly, tasked with finding Forerunner artifacts and bringing new species into the Covenant fold. In practice, however, they functioned as little more than pirates, frequently picking off relics held by other Covenant fleets, and their so-called missionary ships were often merely slavers and raiders crewed largely by Kig-Yar. Not beholden even to the High Prophets, of whom the Prophet of Regret himself was the former Vice-Minister of Tranquility, these units rarely served as combat units during the Covenant conquest of human colonies, but would arrive to steal whatever relics had been secured from human defenders or their Covenant "allies" in the chaotic aftermath.<ref name=HFBCRB/>


Other Covenant ministries are known to have their own forces, though not in such great numbers. In [[850 BCE]] the [[Ministry of Anticipatory Security]] sent forces to secure Forerunner relics on Janjur Qom, and escort female San'Shyuum volunteers to High Charity. The [[Mission to Janjur Qom|disastrous mission]] led to the ministry's total dissolution, and the punishment of the Minister involved.<ref>'''[[Halo: Broken Circle]]'''</ref> In [[2525]], The [[Ministry of Conversion]] was technically the only body authorised to send ships to make contact with possible convertees, though this was routinely ignored by the Ministry of Tranquility. The Ministry of Preservation was specifically mandated with putting down local uprisings and secession attempts by the client races, and its forces were led by future Arbiter [[Ripa 'Moramee]] before 2531.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 10''</ref> In [[2552]], [[Thon 'Talamee]], shipmaster of the [[Clarity of Faith]], escorted Covenant supply convoys under the [[Ministry of Fortitude]], a ministry ostensibly tasked with ensuring the proper distribution of Forerunner relics across the Covenant.<ref>'''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''', ''Issue 1''</ref> The [[Ministry of Abnegation]] held authority over the Sangheili [[Ascetics|Ascetic orders]],<ref>'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 56''</ref> and the Ministers of [[Ministry of Inquisition|Inquisition]] and [[Ministry of Etiology|Etiology]] both served in Covenant fleets with some considerable authority.<ref>'''[[Halo: Uprising]]''', ''Issue 4''</ref><ref>'''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]''', ''[[The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor]]''</ref>
[[File:HM-UnyieldingHierophant.jpg|300px|thumb|left|A [[Truth's fleet|fleet]] surrounding ''[[Unyielding Hierophant]]'', one of the largest fleets next to the ''High Charity'' defense fleet.]]
Other Covenant ministries are known to have their own forces, though not in such great numbers. In [[850 BCE]] the [[Ministry of Anticipatory Security]] sent forces to secure Forerunner relics on Janjur Qom, and escort female San'Shyuum volunteers to High Charity. The [[Mission to Janjur Qom|disastrous mission]] led to the ministry's total dissolution, and the punishment of the Minister involved.{{Ref/Novel|Novel=Halo: Broken Circle}} In [[2525]], The [[Ministry of Conversion]] was technically the only body authorized to send ships to make contact with possible convertees, though this was routinely ignored by the Ministry of Tranquility. The Ministry of Preservation was specifically mandated with putting down local uprisings and secession attempts by the client races, and its forces were led by future Arbiter [[Ripa 'Moramee]] before 2531.<ref>''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]'', p. 10</ref> In [[2552]], [[Thon 'Talamee]], shipmaster of the ''[[Clarity of Faith]]'', escorted Covenant supply convoys under the [[Ministry of Fortitude]], a ministry ostensibly tasked with ensuring the proper distribution of Forerunner relics across the Covenant.<ref>''[[Halo: Blood Line]]'', [[Halo: Blood Line Issue 1|Issue #1]]</ref> The [[Ministry of Abnegation]] held authority over the Sangheili [[Ascetics|Ascetic orders]],<ref>''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]'', p. 56</ref> and the Ministers of [[Ministry of Inquisition|Inquisition]] and [[Ministry of Etiology|Etiology]] both served in Covenant fleets with some considerable authority.<ref>''[[Halo: Uprising]]'', [[Halo: Uprising Issue 4|Issue #4]]</ref><ref>''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]'', [[The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor]]</ref>


The largest known fleets have been known to consist of around one hundred starships of all types and variations,<ref>'''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx''', ''page 195''</ref> and are led by a prominent [[flagship]], which is often an [[CAS-class assault carrier|assault carrier]] or in rare cases a [[CSO-class supercarrier|supercarrier]]. [[Capital ship]]s, such as the iconic [[CCS-class battlecruiser]]s, as well as numerous [[Covenant frigate|frigates]] and [[Covenant destroyer|destroyers]], usually serve as escorts to the flagship. Fleets are sustained by numerous logistics vessels, such as [[Covenant agricultural support ship|agricultural support ships]], which are organizationally attached to warship fleets,  providing food and supplies.<ref>'''Halo Graphic Novel''', "The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor"</ref> Covenant fleets were [[Covenant fleet tactical formations|divided]] into tactical [[battle group]] formations that were used in specialized roles.<ref name="fb120">'''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]''', ''Core Rulebook - pages 120-121''</ref>
The largest known fleets have been known to consist of around one hundred starships of all types and variations,<ref>''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx'', p. 195</ref> and are led by a prominent [[flagship]], which is often an [[CAS-class assault carrier|assault carrier]] or in rare cases a [[Sh'wada-pattern supercarrier|supercarrier]]. [[Capital ship]]s, such as the iconic {{Pattern|Ket|battlecruiser}}s, as well as numerous [[Covenant frigate|frigates]] and [[Covenant destroyer|destroyers]], usually serve as escorts to the flagship. Fleets are sustained by numerous logistics vessels, such as [[Mjern-pattern agricultural support ship|agricultural support ships]], which are organizationally attached to warship fleets,  providing food and supplies.<ref>''Halo Graphic Novel'', [[The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor]]</ref> Covenant fleets were [[Covenant fleet tactical formations|divided]] into tactical [[battle group]] formations that were used in specialized roles.<ref name="fb120">''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]'', Core Rulebook, p. 120-121</ref>


A number of combat [[legion]]s are often attached to a given Covenant fleet, stationed aboard the various warships available.<ref>'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''', ''page 350''</ref>
A number of combat [[legion]]s are often attached to a given Covenant fleet, stationed aboard the various warships available.<ref>''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]'', p. 350</ref>


The title of a Covenant fleet's commander varies depending on the size and extension of the fleet itself. While smaller fleets or temporary [[task force]]s are led by [[Fleet Master]]s, larger fleets are commanded by [[Supreme Commander]]s. There are also cases where an individual with the title of [[Shipmaster]] has had command of a fleet.<ref>'''Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe''', "The Return"</ref><ref>'''Halo 3'''</ref> A fleet's highest-ranking individuals convene in a group known as [[Council of Masters]].<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''', ''page 150''</ref> In some cases, a [[Minor Prophet]] or a [[San'Shyuum High Councilor]] is attached to a fleet as a representative of the [[High Council]].<ref>'''Halo: Evolutions''', "The Return", ''page 497''</ref>
The title of a Covenant fleet's commander varies depending on the size and extension of the fleet itself. While smaller fleets or temporary [[task force]]s are led by [[Fleet Master]]s, larger fleets are commanded by [[Supreme Commander]]s. There are also cases where an individual with the title of [[Shipmaster]] has had command of a fleet.<ref>''Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe'', [[The Return]]</ref><ref>''Halo 3''</ref> A fleet's highest-ranking individuals convene in a group known as [[Council of Masters]].<ref>''Halo: The Flood'', p. 150</ref> In some cases, a [[Minor Prophet]] or a [[San'Shyuum High Councilor]] is attached to a fleet as a representative of the [[High Council]].<ref>''Halo: Evolutions'', The Return, p. 497</ref>


===Combined fleets===
===Combined fleets===
A '''combined fleet''', as its name implies, is comprised of multiple smaller fleets and is led by a [[Supreme Commander]], or, if of sufficient size, an [[Imperial Admiral]]. These fleets have larger duties, such as safeguarding and policing entire regions of Covenant-controlled space on their own. These fleets can have several hundred ships. ''[[High Charity]]'' was guarded by a combined fleet at all times. Some combined fleets are formed on a strictly temporary, task-oriented basis, such as a major invasion of a key enemy system.
A '''combined fleet''', as its name implies, is comprised of multiple smaller fleets and is led by a [[Supreme Commander]]. Though typically well beneath the command of an [[Imperial Admiral]], they can be relegated to commanding a Combined Fleet as demonstrated by [[Xytan 'Jar Wattinree]] during his exile to the borders of Covenant space under the direct orders of the [[High Prophet]]s.<ref name="G239">''Halo: Ghosts of Onyx'', p. 239</ref> Combined fleets have larger duties, such as safeguarding and policing entire regions of Covenant-controlled space on their own. These fleets can have several hundred ships. ''[[High Charity]]'' was guarded by a combined fleet at all times. Some combined fleets are formed on a strictly temporary, task-oriented basis, such as a major invasion of a key enemy system.
 
==Ship classification==
===Major categories===
Covenant ships were generally organized into four types, if not formalized classes: executioners, the purpose-built warships that formed the bulk of frontline Covenant fleets, dedicated to violence and destruction<ref name="warfleet60">'''[[Halo: Warfleet]]''', pp 60-61</ref>; examiners, powerful ships built for tasks vital enough to dictate the survival of worlds and entire species<ref name="warfleet64">'''[[Halo: Warfleet]]''', pp 64-65</ref>; procurators, supply vessels that maintained the fleets and fed their crews;<ref name="warfleet68">'''[[Halo: Warfleet]]''', pp 68-69</ref> and attack ships, smaller, light and nimble ships designed for swift attack and encompassing anything too small to warrant a Shipmaster's chair.<ref name="warfleet72">'''[[Halo: Warfleet]]''', pp 72-73</ref>


*'''Executioners''' were regarded as a distasteful reminder by the Prophets that the Great Journey depended on the use of violence, and were assigned far from [[High Charity]] during times of peace, across the Covenant's expansive border. This made them difficult to bring to bear when the Covenant mobilized for war with humanity, delaying their assignment to the frontlines by years.<ref name="warfleet60"/>
==Fleets==
 
By the time of the [[Fall of Reach]], the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] knew of at least four Covenant fleets of similar size to the Fleet of Particular Justice prowling the human sphere, though the specific names and organisation of these elements is unknown.{{Ref/Site|D=01|M=6|Y=2020|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=6|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Jason Jones Interviewed By You|Detail=([[Archive:Bungie.net/News/Jason Jones Interviewed By You|Archive]])}}
*'''Examiners''' were more easily reassigned, and their crews were composed of those considered judicious and bold, but were also more valuable and rare, frequently incorporating recovered Forerunner technology, and Ministries that wished to crew and deploy one needed direct approval from a Hierarch.<ref name="warfleet64"/>
 
*'''Procurators''' were far more common, but were independent of military chains of command or system governors, though usually complied to requests, and needed Hierarch approval to attach to fleets in order to curb the power of the Sangheili. They were also commanded by San'Shyuum Shipmasters, rather than Sangheili, further forcing Sangheili fleets and colonies to depend on the Prophets for their supply lines. When the High Charity fell to the Flood and the Prophet of Truth was killed, many of these ships departed Covenant space with their Prophet commanders and loyal escorts, joining the rest of the San'Shyuum fleeing Sangheili retribution, making them a rare sight in the post-war era.<ref name="warfleet68"/>
 
*'''Attack ships''' were the most common, but were considered beneath the notice of most Fleetmasters, generally being pawned off to Kig-Yar or Jiralhanae crews and assigned to patrol Covenant space, inspecting and escorting shipping that carried the tithes of Covenant worlds or pilgrims to High Charity.<ref name="warfleet72"/> Sangheili crews that found themselves assigned to such vessels tended to regard them as inglorious assignments, eager to prove themselves worthy of transfer to more prestigious assignments in battle, such as examiner type ships,<ref name="warfleet64"/> but were unenthusiastic about protecting executioner ships when assigned as escorts.<ref name="warfleet60"/>
 
===Ship classification codes===
The Covenant used a unique classification standard in its fleet,<ref>'''Halo Waypoint''': [[Catalog/Archive|Catalog]]: "''[Covenant] naval classifications do not follow Human standards.''"</ref> one that is loosely analogous to the [[hull classification symbol]]s used by the [[UNSC Navy]].<ref name="Have S'moa"/> The [[United Nations Space Command]] assigns three-letter codes for each class of Covenant starship. These codes are transliterations of the primary, secondary, and tertiary classification codes that were used by the Covenant fleet. Each starship is classified based on its role and abilities in a fleet. An example of this three-letter code would be the "ORS" in the {{Class|ORS|heavy cruiser}}; each letter in the code represents a different role, ability, or design feature within the particular vessel. The letters are ordered by importance of the feature.<ref name="Have S'moa">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/community/blog-posts/canon-fodder-have-s-moa '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder: Have S'moa'']</ref> The known letters used in the classification system are A, C, D, O, P, R, S, and V. Of these known letters, only the following representations are known:
*The O denotes "Ordained". It is not a mission type but rather denotes that the starship is outfitted with a [[Forerunner]] augmentation.<ref name="Have S'moa"/>
*The R represents "Reverence", meaning the vessel can conduct reconnaissance missions and excavate Forerunner artifacts.<ref name="Have S'moa"/>
*The S means "Salvation", which refers to any vessel armed with an [[energy projector]].<ref name="Have S'moa"/>
 
It is unknown if the repetition of a letter in a class' classification — such as the {{Class|CCS|battlecruiser}} — has any significance. It is also important to note that while Covenant fleet personnel occasionally referred to their vessel's class by one of its three-letter codes, there was not a specific class that a code belonged to. For example, ''[[Incorruptible]]'' was occasionally referred to as a "''Reverence''-class cruiser", although it was actually an ''ORS''-class heavy cruiser. The term "''Reverence''-class" truly refers to multiple vessels ranging from cruisers to small scout ships,<ref name="Have S'moa"/> such as the diminutive {{Class|CRS|light cruiser}}.
 
==Known fleets==
{{Covenant Fleet Units}}
{{Covenant Fleet Units}}


==Known vessels==
==Vessels==
[[File:HFB-ClassicCovenant.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Covenant ships in ''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]''.]]
[[File:HFB-ClassicCovenant.jpg|thumb|250px|Covenant ships in ''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]''.]]
===Space stations===
{{Main|Covenant starship}}
*''[[High Charity]]'' - The Covenant holy city and site of government; absorbed by the Flood, crashed onto [[Installation 00]] and [[Raid on High Charity|heavily damaged]] by [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartan]] [[John-117]].
{{Expand-section}}
*''[[Unyielding Hierophant]]'' - Destroyed by Spartan [[Blue Team]], led by John-117.
 
===Carriers===
===={{Class|DDS|carrier}}====
*''[[Lawgiver]]'' - Unknown status, possibly destroyed
*''[[Ascendant Justice]]'' - Captured by UNSC, destroyed during [[Operation: FIRST STRIKE]] in 2552. Slipspace drive was refitted to ''[[UNSC Gettysburg]]''.
 
===={{Class|CAS|assault carrier}}====
*''[[Enduring Conviction]]'' - Destroyed over [[Installation 00]] by [[Aggressor Sentinel]]s in [[2559]].
*''[[Resplendent Fervor]]'' - Aft section destroyed.
*''[[Seeker of Truth]]'' - Unknown status
*''[[Shadow of Intent]]'' - Returned to [[Sanghelios]] after ceasefire in [[2553#March|March 2553]]
*''[[Solemn Penance]]'' - Unknown status
*''[[Clarity of Faith]]'' - Crash-landed on an [[unidentified moon (Sub-sector 35)|unidentified moon]] in [[2552#August|August 2552]]
*''[[Song of Retribution]]'' – Unknown status
*''[[Day of Jubilation]]'' – Destroyed
*''[[Breath of Annihilation]]'' – In the control of [[Sali 'Nyon's Covenant faction]].
 
===={{Class|CSO|supercarrier}}====
*''[[Long Night of Solace]]'' - Destroyed over Reach on [[Operation: UPPER CUT]].
*''[[Sublime Transcendence]]'' - Destroyed
 
===Cruisers===
===={{Class|ORS|heavy cruiser}}====
*''[[Blight of the Profane]]'' - Unknown status
*''[[Incorruptible]]'' - Destroyed in the Onyx Conflict
 
===={{Class|CCS|battlecruiser}}====
*''[[Triumphant Declaration]]'' - Unknown status
*''[[Harbinger of Piety]]'' - Unknown status
*''[[Indulgence of Conviction]]'' - Destroyed in the [[Battle of Voi]].
*''[[Pious Inquisitor]]'' - Destroyed in the [[Skirmish on Pious Inquisitor|Skirmish on ''Pious Inquisitor'']]
*''[[Purity of Spirit]]'' - Unknown status
*''[[Sacred Promise]]'' <small>(hypothesized)</small> - Unknown status, probably destroyed
*''[[Truth and Reconciliation]]'' - Destroyed in the [[Battle of Installation 04]]
*''[[CCS-U624]]'' - Unknown status
*''[[CCS-U321]]'' - Destroyed in the [[Battle of Arcadia]]
 
===={{Class|CRS|light cruiser}}====
*''[[Unrelenting]]'' - Destroyed in the [[Battle of Chi Ceti]]
*''[[Rapid Conversion]]'' - Unknown status
*''[[Spear of Light]]''
 
====Unknown classes====
*''[[Infinite Sacrifice]]'' - Unknown status
*''[[Unidentified cruiser (Particular Justice)]]'' - Destroyed in the [[Fall of Reach]]


===Destroyers===
==Space stations==
===={{Class|CPV|heavy destroyer}}====
{{Main|Space station}}
*''[[Bloodied Spirit]] - Destroyed
*''[[High Charity]]'' - The Covenant holy city and site of government; absorbed by the Flood, crashed onto [[Installation 00]] and reactor [[Raid on High Charity|destroyed]] by [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartan]] [[John-117]]. Its ruins are contained by Sentinels.
*''[[Esteem]]'' - Unknown status
*''[[Unyielding Hierophant]]'' - Destroyed by [[Blue Team]], led by John-117.
*''[[Reverence]]'' - Destroyed
*''[[Radiant Perception]]'' - Destroyed
*''[[Proclamation's Tithe]]'' - Status unknown


====Other classes====
==Personnel==
*''[[Absolution]]'' - Destroyed
=== Sangheili ===
*''[[Far Sight Lost]]'' - Destroyed
*''[[Rapturous Arc]]'' - Destroyed
*''[[Retribution's Thunder]]'' - Destroyed
 
===Frigates===
====[[Covenant frigate|Frigates]]====
*''[[Tenebrous]]'' - Destroyed
*''[[Twilight Compunction]]'' - Unknown status
*''[[Revenant (ship)|Revenant]]'' - Destroyed
*''[[Unflinching Resolve]]'' - Retired, later reclaimed by [[Servants of the Abiding Truth]]
 
===={{Class|CAR|frigate}}====
*''[[Contrition]]'' - Unknown status
*''[[Penance (ship)|Penance]]'' - Unknown status
 
===Corvettes===
===={{Class|SDV|heavy corvette}}====
*''[[Ardent Prayer]]'' - Destroyed in [[Operation: UPPER CUT]].
*''[[Elegy's Lament]]'' - Stolen by the [[Banished]]
*''[[Mayhem|Quester of Glory]]'' - Fell into Sangheili control during the Great Schism; renamed ''Mayhem''
 
===={{Class|DAV|light corvette}}====
*''[[The Lookout|Infinite Fire]]'' - Fell into Sangheili control during the Great Schism; renamed ''The Lookout''
 
====Unknown class====
*''[[Vengeful Vitality]]'' - A stealth corvette used by [[Mken 'Scre'ah'ben]].
*''[[Adherent]]'' - Unknown status
 
===Support ships===
===={{Class|DSC|support ship}}====
*''[[Infinite Succor]]'' - Destroyed, sent into a star [[The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor|to prevent the Flood from escaping]].
 
===={{Class|Hudal|auxiliary vessel}}====
*''[[Piety]]'' - Active, all crew killed in capture of a [[Requires Adjustment|Huragok]].
 
===Unknown class===
*''[[A Psalm Every Day]]'' - Unknown status
*''[[Commitment and Patience]]'' - Unknown status
*''[[Devotion]]'' - Unknown status
*''[[Infinite Spoils]]'' - Unknown status
*''[[Minor Transgression]]'' - Destroyed
*''[[Paragon]]'' - Unknown status
*''[[Pitiless]]'' - Unknown status
*''[[Serene Certainty]]'' - Unknown status
*''[[Unrelenting]]'' - Unknown status
*''[[Unwavering Discipline]]'' - Destroyed
*''[[Valorous Salvation]]'' - Unknown status
 
==Important personnel==
*[[Imperial Admiral]] [[Xytan 'Jar Wattinree]]
*[[Imperial Admiral]] [[Xytan 'Jar Wattinree]]
*[[Supreme Commander]] [[Thel 'Vadam]]ee (current Arbiter)
*[[Supreme Commander]] [[Thel 'Vadam]]ee (current Arbiter)
Line 174: Line 57:
*Supreme Commander [[Rho 'Barutamee]]
*Supreme Commander [[Rho 'Barutamee]]
*[[Fleet Master]] [[Voro Nar 'Mantakree]]
*[[Fleet Master]] [[Voro Nar 'Mantakree]]
*[[Shipmaster]] [[Rtas 'Vadum]]ee
*[[Shipmaster]] [[Rtas 'Vadum]]
*Shipmaster [[Orna 'Fulsamee]]
*Shipmaster [[Orna 'Fulsam]]ee
*Shipmaster [[Jul 'Mdama]]ee
*Shipmaster [[Jul 'Mdama]]ee
*Shipmaster [[Lat 'Ravamee]]
*Shipmaster [[Ardo 'Moretumee]]
*[[Unidentified Sangheili Shipmaster (Righteous Vigilance)|Unidentified Shipmaster (Righteous Vigilance)]]
*[[Unidentified Sangheili Shipmaster (Righteous Vigilance)|Unidentified Shipmaster (Righteous Vigilance)]]
=== Jiralhanae ===
*Shipmaster [[Maccabeus]]
*Shipmaster [[Lepidus]]
*Shipmaster [[Gargantum]]
*Shipmaster [[Parabum]]
=== Kig-Yar ===
*Shipmistress [[Chur'R-Yar]]
*Shipmistress [[Chur'R-Mut]]


==List of appearances==
==List of appearances==
Line 202: Line 95:
**''[[Origins]]''
**''[[Origins]]''
**''[[The Duel]]''
**''[[The Duel]]''
**''[[The Package]]''
**''[[The Package (animated short)|The Package]]''
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
**''[[Dirt]]''
**''[[Dirt]]''
Line 220: Line 113:
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
**''[[Terminal/Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary|Terminals]]''
**''[[Terminal (Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
*''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''
*''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''
*''[[Halo 4]]'' <small>([[Prologue]] Only)</small>
*''[[Halo 4]]'' <small>([[Prologue]] Only)</small>
Line 226: Line 119:
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
**''[[Terminal/Halo 2: Anniversary|Terminals]]''
**''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
*''[[Hunt the Truth]]''
*''[[Hunt the Truth]]''
*''[[Halo: Hunters in the Dark]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Hunters in the Dark]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]''
*''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]''
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
**''[[Halo 5: Guardians Limited Edition|Limited Edition]]'' {{Mo}}
**''[[Halo 5: Guardians Limited Edition dossiers|Limited Edition dossiers]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Shadow of Intent]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Shadow of Intent]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Legacy of Onyx]]''
*''[[Halo: Legacy of Onyx]]''
*''[[Halo: Retribution]]''
*''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''
*''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]''
*''[[Halo: Battle Born]]''
*''[[Halo: Renegades]]''
*''[[Halo: Oblivion]]''
*''[[Halo: Outcasts]]'' {{Mo}}
{{col-end}}
{{col-end}}


==Sources==
==Sources==
<references/>
{{Ref/Sources}}
 
[[Category:Covenant fleets| ]]
[[Category:Covenant fleets| ]]
[[Category:Covenant military units]]
[[Category:Covenant military units]]

Latest revision as of 10:15, May 1, 2024

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The High Charity defense fleet, the Covenant's central fleet.

The Covenant fleet is a general term for the vast space-borne naval components of the Covenant's military forces.[1][2] Their roles included ship-to-ship combat, orbital bombardment, the deployment of fighters and bombers and the method of delivery for the Covenant's occupational ground forces. At its height, the Covenant fielded thousands of warships, most being able to carry fighters, dropships, ground troops and vehicles. Each Covenant fleet unit is essentially a fully-rounded armada, and is given a unique name with religious connotations similar to how Covenant vessels and colony worlds are named by their beliefs.

Although the Covenant's collective naval forces are referenced in some contexts as the Covenant Navy,[3][4] the Covenant did not maintain distinct service branches in the same manner as the United Nations Space Command and traditional human militaries; instead, the Covenant fleets fell under the authority of various ministerial organisations.[5]

After the Covenant's defeat at the end of the Human-Covenant War, most of these scattered assets fell under the control of the various Covenant remnants.

Organization[edit]

The High Charity defense fleet exiting slipspace over Installation 05.

Despite the seemingly monolithic nature of its armed forces, the Covenant does not maintain a single standing navy. Instead, its fleets are partitioned between several martial and ministerial organisations, expanding and contracting as their parent ministry's influence waxes and wanes in prestige and influence.[6] Fleets could be broadly split into two major groupings:

High Fleets
  • High Fleets were those fleets assembled by direct order of the Covenant's High Council, for a wide range of responsibilities including the location of Forerunner artefact sites and pursuing clues related to the search for the Halo Array - and were thus typically deployed on the outermost peripheries of Covenant space. Assignment to these fleets were officially positions of great honour, but in practice were often used to discretely exile powerful, charismatic and influential Sangheili into positions far from the political centre of power. Custodians of High Fleets were granted numerous ceremonial titles and names, but in practice their legacies were little more than treasure hunters on the empire's borders.[7]
Ministerial fleets

Fleets under the Ministry of Resolution were originally tasked with patrolling Covenant space, protecting shipping and eradicating pirates, but was vastly expanded during the early stages of the Human-Covenant War to serve as deep-space exploration units beyond the fringe, protection for Ministry of Tranquility missionary ships, and front-line units in the conquest and destruction of humanity.[8] As the war with humanity wore on, the Covenant were forced to transfer patrol units to front-line fleets to replace combat losses, hoping to hide the damage humanity was managing to inflict from Sangheili leaders. Being posted to a fleet under the Ministry of Resolution was considered honorable, due to being removed from normal society for extended periods.[6]

Fleets under the Ministry of Fervent Intercession were tasked with locating and securing Forerunner worlds and artifacts, and possessed enough zealots that it was considered a semi-monastic order. Fervent Intercession fleets tended to be smaller, but acted largely independently of any external chain of command except where it served their purposes, but were able to call upon the resources of other fleets, and even directly from the colonies, due to ancient writs that dated back to the formation of the Covenant. Fleets under the Ministry of Fervent Intercession had a formidable reputation even among the Covenant, and were largely used to seize and defend Forerunner sites on human colonies during the war.[6]

Fleets under the Ministry of Tranquility were, ostensibly, tasked with finding Forerunner artifacts and bringing new species into the Covenant fold. In practice, however, they functioned as little more than pirates, frequently picking off relics held by other Covenant fleets, and their so-called missionary ships were often merely slavers and raiders crewed largely by Kig-Yar. Not beholden even to the High Prophets, of whom the Prophet of Regret himself was the former Vice-Minister of Tranquility, these units rarely served as combat units during the Covenant conquest of human colonies, but would arrive to steal whatever relics had been secured from human defenders or their Covenant "allies" in the chaotic aftermath.[6]

The fleet at Unyielding Hierophant.
A fleet surrounding Unyielding Hierophant, one of the largest fleets next to the High Charity defense fleet.

Other Covenant ministries are known to have their own forces, though not in such great numbers. In 850 BCE the Ministry of Anticipatory Security sent forces to secure Forerunner relics on Janjur Qom, and escort female San'Shyuum volunteers to High Charity. The disastrous mission led to the ministry's total dissolution, and the punishment of the Minister involved.[9] In 2525, The Ministry of Conversion was technically the only body authorized to send ships to make contact with possible convertees, though this was routinely ignored by the Ministry of Tranquility. The Ministry of Preservation was specifically mandated with putting down local uprisings and secession attempts by the client races, and its forces were led by future Arbiter Ripa 'Moramee before 2531.[10] In 2552, Thon 'Talamee, shipmaster of the Clarity of Faith, escorted Covenant supply convoys under the Ministry of Fortitude, a ministry ostensibly tasked with ensuring the proper distribution of Forerunner relics across the Covenant.[11] The Ministry of Abnegation held authority over the Sangheili Ascetic orders,[12] and the Ministers of Inquisition and Etiology both served in Covenant fleets with some considerable authority.[13][14]

The largest known fleets have been known to consist of around one hundred starships of all types and variations,[15] and are led by a prominent flagship, which is often an assault carrier or in rare cases a supercarrier. Capital ships, such as the iconic Ket-pattern battlecruisers, as well as numerous frigates and destroyers, usually serve as escorts to the flagship. Fleets are sustained by numerous logistics vessels, such as agricultural support ships, which are organizationally attached to warship fleets, providing food and supplies.[16] Covenant fleets were divided into tactical battle group formations that were used in specialized roles.[17]

A number of combat legions are often attached to a given Covenant fleet, stationed aboard the various warships available.[18]

The title of a Covenant fleet's commander varies depending on the size and extension of the fleet itself. While smaller fleets or temporary task forces are led by Fleet Masters, larger fleets are commanded by Supreme Commanders. There are also cases where an individual with the title of Shipmaster has had command of a fleet.[19][20] A fleet's highest-ranking individuals convene in a group known as Council of Masters.[21] In some cases, a Minor Prophet or a San'Shyuum High Councilor is attached to a fleet as a representative of the High Council.[22]

Combined fleets[edit]

A combined fleet, as its name implies, is comprised of multiple smaller fleets and is led by a Supreme Commander. Though typically well beneath the command of an Imperial Admiral, they can be relegated to commanding a Combined Fleet as demonstrated by Xytan 'Jar Wattinree during his exile to the borders of Covenant space under the direct orders of the High Prophets.[23] Combined fleets have larger duties, such as safeguarding and policing entire regions of Covenant-controlled space on their own. These fleets can have several hundred ships. High Charity was guarded by a combined fleet at all times. Some combined fleets are formed on a strictly temporary, task-oriented basis, such as a major invasion of a key enemy system.

Fleets[edit]

By the time of the Fall of Reach, the Office of Naval Intelligence knew of at least four Covenant fleets of similar size to the Fleet of Particular Justice prowling the human sphere, though the specific names and organisation of these elements is unknown.[24]

v • d • e
 
Fleets of the Covenant and its remnants
Fleets
Flotillas

Vessels[edit]

Covenant ships in Halo: Fleet Battles.
Main article: Covenant starship
Help.png This section needs expansion. You can help Halopedia by expanding it.

Space stations[edit]

Main article: Space station

Personnel[edit]

Sangheili[edit]

Jiralhanae[edit]

Kig-Yar[edit]

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, p. 226
  2. ^ Halo: The Great Journey: The Art of Building Worlds, p. 72
  3. ^ Bungie.net, The Tru7h About Co-Op in Halo 3 (Retrieved on Jun 1, 2020) [archive]
  4. ^ Spartan Games, Halo Busts Now Shipping (Retrieved on Jun 1, 2020) [archive]
  5. ^ See Covenant military#Organization
  6. ^ a b c d e Halo: Fleet Battles, Core Rule Book, p. 7
  7. ^ a b Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 238-239
  8. ^ Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, p. 10, 11, 175
  9. ^ Halo: Broken Circle
  10. ^ Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, p. 10
  11. ^ Halo: Blood Line, Issue #1
  12. ^ Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, p. 56
  13. ^ Halo: Uprising, Issue #4
  14. ^ Halo Graphic Novel, The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor
  15. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, p. 195
  16. ^ Halo Graphic Novel, The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor
  17. ^ Halo: Fleet Battles, Core Rulebook, p. 120-121
  18. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, p. 350
  19. ^ Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe, The Return
  20. ^ Halo 3
  21. ^ Halo: The Flood, p. 150
  22. ^ Halo: Evolutions, The Return, p. 497
  23. ^ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, p. 239
  24. ^ Bungie.net, Jason Jones Interviewed By You: (Archive) (Retrieved on Jun 1, 2020) [archive]
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