VADM

Military abbreviation · US Navy and Coast Guard Rank

VADM
Stands forVice Admiral
CategoriesMilitary

VADM stands for Vice Admiral, a US Navy and coast guard rank abbreviation.

Three-star flag officer grade, O-9, in the Navy and Coast Guard, held by numbered fleet commanders, Navy deputy chiefs and senior joint commanders. Like other three-star grades, it is temporary and tied to a specific position.

Example: VADM Lindqvist, commander of 7th Fleet, toured the destroyer in Yokosuka.

Usage notes

"Vice" means deputy; historically the vice admiral commanded the van, or leading squadron, of a fleet. Equal to an Army or Air Force lieutenant general. AP style writes Vice Adm. before a name. The Royal Navy abbreviates the rank VAdm or V Adm.

More US Navy and coast guard rank abbreviations

  • ADM – Admiral
  • AN – Airman (US Navy)
  • CAPT – Captain (US Navy and Coast Guard)
  • CDR – Commander
  • CMDCM – Command Master Chief
  • CN – Constructionman
  • CPO – Chief Petty Officer
  • CWO – Chief Warrant Officer
  • ENS – Ensign
  • FADM – Fleet Admiral
  • FN – Fireman
  • HN – Hospitalman

See all 31 US Navy and coast guard rank abbreviations →