The Coastal Fleet (, Kfl) was until 1994 a Swedish Navy authority with the main task of training the naval ships commanders and crews. After the formation of the authority Swedish Armed Forces in 1994, the Coastal Fleet remained as a unit until 2000.
History
The Coastal Fleet was the operational unit within the Swedish Navy, created from the combat forces capable of maritime operations. The Coastal Fleet was intended to serve as the mobile naval defence or battle group, encompassing all naval warfare capabilities such as artillery, torpedoes, and mines. It was designed to be capable of countering hostile actions along the Swedish coastlines independently of local defence tasks. According to a decision in 1948, the Coastal Fleet would primarily consist of two squadrons, each with cruisers, destroyers, and large motor torpedo boats, along with a submarine and a mine flotilla. Additionally, on the Swedish West Coast, there would be a squadron of surface vessels and a submarine flotilla.
The command flag of the last Commander-in-Chief of the Coastal Fleet, Vice Admiral Frank Rosenius, was lowered on 30 June 1998.
Heraldry and traditions
Colours, standards and guidons
The colour of the Coastal Fleet was a double swallow-tailed Swedish flag, which was presented in 1976. It was later taken over by the Joint Forces Command.
Coat of arms
The coat of the arms of the Coastal Fleet 1979–1997. Blazon: "Azure, an anchor erect cabled, argent".
Commanding officers
The Swedish Navy's ships were prepared for expeditions during the summer months and organized into temporary squadrons under the command of the 'highest commander' (högste befälhavare). In 1904, an Inspector of Naval Exercises at Sea (Inspektör för flottans övningar till sjöss) was added, also serving as the highest commander of the coastal squadrons. Starting in 1909, the squadrons began to be referred to as coastal fleets. From 1919 onwards, the positions of Highest Commander and Inspector of Naval Exercises at Sea were merged (SFS 1918:868), and the position of Highest Commander of the Coastal Fleet (Högste befälhavaren för kustflottan) was established, changed in 1931 to Commander-in-Chief of the Coastal Fleet (Chefen för kustflottan).
Inspectors of Naval Exercises at Sea
1904–1906: Captain Wilhelm Dyrssen
1906–1907: Rear Admiral Carl Olsen
1907–1916: Rear Admiral Wilhelm Dyrssen
1916–1918: Vice Admiral Carl August Ehrensvärd
Highest Commanders of the Coastal Fleet
1919–1919: Vice Admiral Carl August Ehrensvärd
1919–1923: Rear Admiral Carl Alarik Wachtmeister
1923–1925: Rear Admiral Fredrik Riben
1926–1927: Rear Admiral Otto Lybeck
1927–1931: Rear Admiral Harald Åkermark
Commanders-in-Chief of the Coastal Fleet
1931–1933: Rear Admiral Harald Åkermark
1933–1939: Rear Admiral Fabian Tamm
1939–1942: Rear Admiral Gösta Ehrensvärd
1942–1945: Rear Admiral Yngve Ekstrand
1946–1950: Rear Admiral Erik Samuelson
1950–1953: Rear Admiral Stig H:son Ericson
1953–1957: Rear Admiral Erik af Klint
1957–1961: Rear Admiral Bertil Berthelsson
1961–1962: Rear Admiral Einar Blidberg (acting) 1962–1966: Rear Admiral Einar Blidberg 1966–1970: Rear Admiral Dag Arvas 1970–1977: Rear Admiral Christer Kierkegaard 1977–1980: Rear Admiral Bengt Rasin 1980–1982: Rear Admiral Bror Stefenson 1982–1985: Rear Admiral Jan Enquist 1985–1990: Rear Admiral Claes Tornberg 1990–1994: Rear Admiral Sten Swedlund 1994–1998: Rear Admiral Frank Rosenius