Alliance navy

Alliance navy
Main leader	High King Anduin Wrynn Grand Admiral Jes-Tereth
Formerly	High King Varian Wrynn † Grand Admiral Daelin Proudmoore †
Secondary leaders	Alliance Naval Command  Lord Admiral Jaina Proudmoore Sky Admiral Rogers Admiral Odesyus Admiral Cantlebree Admiral Nightwind
Formerly	Admiral Taylor † Admiral Aubrey † Admiral Dvorek †
Race(s)	Human  Dwarf  Gnome  Night elf  Draenei  Worgen
Capital	Stormwind Harbor
Other major settlements	Boralus, Menethil Harbor, Northwatch Hold, Valiance Keep, Valgarde, Highbank, Lion's Landing
Formerly	Theramore Isle, Lunarfall Shipyard
Theater of operations	All major oceans of Azeroth as well as alternate Draenor, Northrend, Deepholm, Broken Isles, and Isle of Dorn
Language(s)	Common, Various languages
Sub-group(s)	Various fleets
Affiliation	Grand Alliance
Formerly	Alliance of Lordaeron
Status	Active

“General quarters! Get our birds in the air. Clear the decks. Stations, people. Let's go to war!”

— Sky Admiral Rogers, committing the Skyfire to battle

The Alliance navy, formerly known as the Lordaeron Fleet, is the collective maritime military force of the various members of the Alliance. As the naval wing of the Alliance Forces, these combined navies protect the Alliance's interests throughout Azeroth and beyond, and have seen particularly frequent service against the Horde, which also fields a formidable naval presence, and the pirate crews plaguing the seas.

Most of the Alliance's material naval power is provided by the kingdom of Stormwind, supplemented by the engineering innovations of the gnomes and dwarves, and fitted with crews from all Alliance members. Boasting a collection of varied vessels, including battleships, destroyers, carriers, submarines, and gunships, the navy is capable of meeting many different threats and has been utilized in some of the Alliance army's most important operations. Historically, the navy of the Grand Alliance would be the spiritual successor to that of the Alliance of Lordaeron.

Deployment and history

Great Wars

Main article: Alliance of Lordaeron

The Battle of Crestfall during the Second War.

Founded right before the Second War in 5 ADP, the Alliance navy was put under the leadership of Grand Admiral Daelin Proudmoore of Kul Tiras, for he had the most experience dealing with maritime matters.

Shortly before the Battle of Hillsbrad Foothills, after learning that the Orcish Horde had constructed a fleet in the Wetlands, Supreme Commander Anduin Lothar sent Daelin and the Alliance navy to waylay the enemy. The navy intercepted the Horde's vessels near the island of Zul'Dare, where Proudmoore's sleek vessels and his experience in maritime warfare allowed the navy to quickly outmaneuver the Horde's crude ships and destroy dozens of transports with cannon fire. The grand admiral realized that he could destroy the entire Horde army at sea and end the war before it even started, but his plans were thwarted when three of the orcs' enslaved red dragons revealed themselves and began incinerating the Alliance ships. The navy had no means of combating the dragons and called for a full retreat, causing his fleet to scatter and allowing the Horde ships to reach Lordaeron. Although the navy sent thousands of orcs to the bottom of the ocean, that wasn't enough to stem the tide of the war.

Alliance ships stationed near Darrowmere Lake later met up with Turalyon's army just below Stromgarde Keep and ferried the soldiers to the north, sailing upriver up to Stratholme.

After the Destruction of the Dark Portal, as a prominent leader of the Alliance, Admiral Proudmoore's duty was maintaining order on the high seas.

During the Third War in 20 ADP, many human ships moored in Southshore were stolen by Thrall's new Horde to leave the continent and travel to Kalimdor.

Modern era

The Stormwind Harbor as seen in Lost Honor.

Following the fall of Lordaeron, the balance of power among the Seven Kingdoms shifted, with the kingdom of Stormwind arising as a new bastion of leadership and military might in the Great Alliance. This granted the nation immense prestige and influence on the world stage, with Stormwind City becoming the new base of the faction. Despite mainly human operated initially, it is now operated by members of virtually every Alliance race, under the overall command of both the Alliance Naval Command and the High King of the Alliance. Throughout its existence, the navy has seen deployment across all oceans in Azeroth, as well as those of alternate Draenor. Additionally, navy personnel have taken part in numerous land operations.

The Alliance's naval forces are most often deployed against the ever-present threat of the Horde, though it also deals with pirates, and any other major risk to the stability of the world or the Alliance itself. In relatively recent times, the navy has incorporated groundbreaking new innovations and technologies, particularly those of gnomish and dwarven design. This has allowed for the development of such assets as the gunships and submarines. The navy's main construction yard and hub are located at Stormwind City Harbor, with many other naval bases and ports scattered throughout the various territories in which the Alliance is active.

The spiritual successor to that of the Alliance of Lordaeron, the current Alliance navy has distinguished itself in countless campaigns across numerous worlds, including the Northrend campaign, war against Deathwing, Alliance-Horde war, war in Draenor, third invasion of the Burning Legion, and the Fourth War.

Eastern Kingdoms

Stormwind

Main article: Stormwind Harbor

Third Fleet departing for the Battle for Lordaeron.

The harbor of Stormwind City is the largest port and naval base in the Eastern Kingdoms, playing host to a massive drydock and dockyard capable of constructing and repairing the vessels of the Alliance fleet. The kingdom of Stormwind contributes an immense amount of materials and personnel to the Alliance's naval effort, with its harbor frequently used as an assembly point for fleets; many weapons, supplies, and materials can be found stockpiled throughout the port, which is also fortified against enemy attack. After the Attack on Theramore Isle, High King Varian Wrynn set off from the harbor with a massive fleet bound for Orgrimmar's Bladefist Bay, while the Stormwind Fleet and Third Fleet launched from this location to join the Battle for the Broken Shore and the Battle for Lordaeron.

The harbor has been expanded in recent years and is much safer to enter than in the past. While pirates are usually killed on sight, in very rare cases, they may obtain a royal pardon for past crimes if they manage to accomplish a mission of great importance to the kingdom. If successful, they will be allowed to moor at the kingdom's harbor.

Major sea lanes also connect Stormwind Harbor to other key areas controlled by the Alliance, such as Boralus in Kul Tiras, Valiance Keep in Northrend, the Wild Coast on the Dragon Isles, and once Rut'theran Village beneath Darnassus. The port also served as a pivotal strategic role in fighting the Horde navy in the eastern Great Sea, and thus protecting the heart of the Alliance itself.

In the Swamp of Sorrows, Marshtide Watch is kept supplied and reinforced by a small jetty that allows boats from the Forbidding Sea to dock, supporting the campaign against Stonard.

Wetlands

This section concerns content related to the original World of Warcraft.

Menethil Harbor is a dwarven port town located on the western shore of the Wetlands. A rough place that plays host to sailors, travelers, smugglers, and pirates, the harbor is an Alliance stronghold which once served as a link between the old nations of Khaz Modan and Stormwind, and the relatively new settlements of Theramore Isle and Auberdine. Nowadays, The Lady Mehley sails to the Ruins of Theramore in Dustwallow Marsh, while the Northspear icebreaker goes to Valgarde in the Howling Fjord.

Blasted Lands

This section concerns content related to Warlords of Draenor.

The Alliance fleet pushing back the Iron Horde incursion from the Shattered Beachhead.

When the Iron Horde led a major incursion into the Blasted Lands, the Alliance sent a fleet in order to halt the orcs' advance from the Dark Portal. Led by Vindicator Maraad, these marines and sailors quickly began to push the invaders inland, as well as establishing a command post and artillery positions.

Twilight Highlands

This section concerns content related to Cataclysm.

An Alliance fleet bound for the Twilight Highlands.

During the war against Deathwing, both the Alliance and Horde launched separate incursions into the Twilight Highlands. The Alliance fleet, having left Stormwind Harbor, arrived on the northern coast with transport ships and destroyers but without air support. Warchief Garrosh Hellscream later ordered the Horde air guard to seize this opportunity and attack the Alliance armada while it was in close formation. Though the Alliance apparently inflicted heavy casualties, the fleet was left seriously damaged following this ambush. The Horde's zeppelins too would pay for the sudden attack, when they were soon afterwards wiped out by a group of twilight dragons led by Deathwing.

Elsewhere, the Horde's sea fleet was also attacked by Alliance naval forces in open waters, inflicting it heavy damage.

When the remnants of the Alliance's fleet finally arrived in Highbank, they established a major base and port there. More ships were lost at the nearby Obsidian Breakers when their crews were enchanted by the siren of the Highlands, causing them to run into the rocks. Despite the harsh start to the campaign, the Alliance continued to land its forces on the shores of the Twilight Highlands in preparation for the conflict with the Twilight's Hammer based from the Bastion of Twilight and the Horde of Dragonmaw Port.

Gilneas

This section concerns content related to Cataclysm.

High Commander Halford Wyrmbane leading the 7th Legion marine troops from Keel Harbor.

When the Greymane Wall fell, allowing the Forsaken to invade the kingdom of Gilneas, the Kaldorei Fleet arrived at Keel Harbor to evacuate the Gilneas's beleaguered citizens (many of whom were now worgen). The night elf ships carried with them glaive throwers and other equipment to help in the fight against the Forsaken. The fleet was ultimately able to escape the ruined kingdom with the Gilnean refugees, returning to Darnassus and precipitating the worgen entry into the Alliance. On the way back, the relief fleet encountered a powerful storm that caused great damage and almost resulted in the death of the King of Gilneas Genn Greymane.

The famous 7th Legion led by High Commander Halford Wyrmbane was eventually dispatched with a naval force to aid the Gilneas Liberation Front in driving the Forsaken from Gilneas City and the surrounding region. The X-2 Pincer submarine was stationed near Keel Harbor and was used as the headquarters of High Commander Wyrmbane during the conflict.

Tol Barad

This section concerns content related to Cataclysm.

When an intense conflict erupted between the Alliance and Horde for control of the island chain of Tol Barad, both sides investigated the island heavily, with the Alliance dispatching numerous ships to reinforce it. Baradin Base Camp, operated by Baradin's Wardens, served as the main Alliance port on the island and was known to service ships as part of the conflict.

Ghostlands

This section concerns content related to The Burning Crusade.

Ships carrying the Sentinel spies were dispatched to the Ghostlands, where they established a base on Shalandis Isle to spy on the blood elves of Quel'Thalas.

Vashj'ir

This section concerns content related to Cataclysm.

The Pincer X2 submarine engaging Ozumat.

Following the Cataclysm, in response to continued Horde attacks on their trade ships, the Alliance committed increasingly more forces to naval engagements of the Eastern Kingdoms' western coast. When the Earthen Ring identified the watery realm of Vashj'ir as a source of the adversary's destructive energies, a critical battle for control of the island as the Horde's victory woudl have left Stormwind completely defenseless. After losing many ships during the conflict, and with the few that did return requiring extensive repairs in Stormwind Harbor, the Alliance navy was forced to commission mercenary ships. The situation became even more dire as numerous Alliance and Horde ships came under attack from the Zin'jatar naga, who used kraken to stop and sink the vessels while they themselves butchered or drowned the crews, though survived thanks to the shaman Erunak Stonespeaker.

One such mercenary ship carried Captain Taylor and a contingent of S.E.A.L.Fs, who had been sent not only to deal with the Horde threat but also to investigate the disturbances in the area resulting from the Cataclysm. The campaign against the naga would eventually bring these forces into the Shimmering Expanse and eventually the Abyssal Depths.

An Alliance rescue fleet led by the Voldrin's Hold was eventually sent to locate the survivors. The Pincer X2 submarine, a new innovation of gnome engineering, was also dispatched to help hunt the kraken Ozumat who destroyed the previous Alliance ships. Commanded by Captain Glovaal, was able to drive off the beast from Darkbreak Cove. The crew then launched a large attack on Lady Naz'jar and her forces attempting to defeat Neptulon at the Abyssal Breach, however, the naga were successfully able to triumph over the elemental lord after the Pincer X2 was destroyed.

Tirisfal Glades

This section concerns content related to Battle for Azeroth.

The fleet on the shores of Tirisfal Glades.

During the Battle for Lordaeron, a fleet of ships departing from Stormwind Harbor carried a massive Alliance invasion force to northern Lordaeron, in the early stages of the Fourth War. The fleet, in response to the Burning of Teldrassil, struck at Undercity from the north, with a beachhead established near Garren's Haunt. The fleet met with no naval resistance from the Horde. After landing, the invasion force quickly pushed inland with heavy weapons, conquering Brill and laying siege to the Undercity.

Kalimdor

Teldrassil

This section concerns content related to the original World of Warcraft.

After the nation of Darnassus was introduced into the Alliance, the Kaldorei Fleet joined the ranks of the Alliance navy, while The Bravery transport ship began its travels between Darnassus with Stormwind City, keeping both human and night elf capitals connected. Alliance ships thus regularly traveled between Stormwind and Rut'theran Village until the events of the Burning of Teldrassil.

Azuremyst Isle

This section concerns content related to The Burning Crusade.

The Alliance ships near Odesyus' Landing.

Prior to the invasion of Outland, an Alliance flotilla commanded by Admiral Odesyus was forced to put to shore on the southern shores of Azuremyst Isle, due to the actions of goblins stowed away in the hold. On the beach his crew landed on, they established Odesyus' Landing, and shortly thereafter were contacted by the draenei people, recently arrived on Azeroth. These draenei would eventually join the Alliance itself and helped the admiral and his crew recover important items stolen by the Venture Co. goblins.

The port of Valaar's Berth was eventually established and quickly started hosting Alliance ships, such as the Elune's Blessing, who frequently made the journey between Rut'theran and Valaar's Berth.

This section concerns content related to Legion.

Prior to the Argus Campaign, the Wind's Redemption battleship transported prominent members of the Alliance, including Vereesa Windrunner, Arator the Redeemer, and Vindicator Boros, to the Exodar in preparation for the departure to the homeworld of the Burning Legion on board the Vindicaar. The ship was captained by Grand Admiral Jes-Tereth herself.

Feralas

This section concerns content related to Cataclysm.

A major night elf naval base was situated at the Old Feathermoon Stronghold on Sardor Isle, representing one of the Alliance's largest bases in western Kalimdor. The vessel known as the Feathermoon Ferry, commanded by Captain Idrilae, once ferried Alliance members between the stronghold and the shore. Following the Cataclysm, Feathermoon Stronghold was overrun by naga, and the port relocated to the coast.

Dustwallow Marsh

This section concerns content related to Mists of Pandaria.

Prior to its destruction, Theramore Isle was the most important Alliance port on the continent.

The Alliance port settlement of Theramore, with its seafaring traditions, was the largest of the faction's naval bases on Kalimdor. An outpost for the Alliance in hostile territory, Theramore was well-connected to the Eastern Kingdoms by sea, specifically Menethil Harbor. Numerous warships and fleets were stationed in Theramore and nearby regions, usually battling the Horde in some capacity.

When Warchief Garrosh Hellscream and the Horde began preparations to march on Theramore Isle during the Alliance-Horde war, Theramore's ruler Lady Jaina Proudmoore was warned in advance and requested support from Stormwind and the rest of the Alliance. Many of the Alliance's best generals, along with copious reinforcements, hurriedly dispatched from Stormwind on board the 7th Fleet. Theramore was well-reinforced by the time the Horde's forces arrived, yet Jaina refused to allow the Alliance naval forces to engage the enemy unless they actually entered Alliance waters. Before the battle itself, a ship was dispatched to Gadgetzan with many of the city's children.

Shortly after the battle began, however, Warchief Hellscream revealed his true plan. He had intentionally gathered a large concentration of Alliance commanders and forces, and now ordered the dropping of a powerful mana bomb on the city. The resulting explosion wiped out virtually everyone and everything on the isle. The destruction of the large fleet present hit the Alliance particularly hard, and in the aftermath of the bombing of Theramore the Horde established an imposing naval blockade on all of Kalimdor.

Among those slain in the mana bombing was Admiral Aubrey, a prominent Alliance naval commander and previously master of Northwatch Hold.

The Barrens

This section concerns content related to Cataclysm.

Northwatch Expeditionary Unit naval forces in stationed near the Barrens.

The navy was essential to the continued success of the Northwatch Expeditionary Unit against Horde forces in and around the Barrens. Northwatch Hold, a major Alliance outpost in traditionally Horde territory, hosts a large port and is kept well-supplied by ships from Theramore and other areas of the Alliance. The hold's sea route acted as an important lifeline during the conflict with the Horde. As of the Cataclysm, the hold was under the command of Admiral Aubrey.

At the time of the Cataclysm, the Horde and Alliance once more came into conflict in the area. A large Horde naval and land force of the Rageroar clan subsequently laid siege to Northwatch Hold in an attempt to drive the Alliance from the coast. While the Horde land forces breached the main walls, its ships attacked the Alliance garrison of destroyers. Before long, the majority of the hold's warships were either sunk or forced to return to Theramore for repairs.

Only the Blackpool remained in action, and Rageroar forces eventually attempted a boarding action on the vessel. With the help of some reinforcements from the hold, the Blackpool's crew were successful in repelling the boarders and regaining control of much of the harbor. Following this, the Horde fleet disengaged and instead attempted to land more troops on the mainland, though this too was repelled by Northwatch's defenders.

Alliance naval forces were also active along the Merchant Coast near Ratchet up to and after the Cataclysm. Rear Admiral Hartley led a campaign against the local Southsea Freebooters from his flagship the Bellipotent, forcing the criminals from Fray Island and capturing Baron Longshore. In addition to this, the Rear Admiral's forces also searched and seized Horde vessels in the nearby neutral port of Ratchet. Horde forces would strike back for this incursion (with the aid of Gazlowe) by sabotaging the crew's munitions in their camp along the Merchant Coast and mining the Bellipotent, though the destroyer was not sunk.

When the Horde marched on Theramore Isle under Warchief Garrosh Hellscream shortly before the discovery of Pandaria, they would attack and raze the naval port of Northwatch Hold along the way despite a heroic defense. After Theramore's destruction and the subsequent naval battle near Orgrimmar, the Alliance fleet under King Varian Wrynn himself returned to the ruins of Northwatch Hold and routed all Horde forces in the vicinity. Work then began to rebuild the port to its former significance.

Durotar

This section concerns content related to Cataclysm.

The naval conflict outside Northwatch Hold.

Durotar, despite being in the very heart of Horde-controlled Kalimdor, has hosted a series of incursions by Alliance naval forces. Tiragarde Keep, once the bastion of Daelin Proudmoore, was eventually retaken by forces from Kul Tiras. Though they were affiliated with the Stormwind, they were not directly aided by any Alliance ships or other forces. This Kul Tiras occupation was eventually wiped out by the Cataclysm, and in its wake a marine force from the Northwatch Expeditionary Unit occupied the fortress.

After the Cataclysm, Alliance elements in the form of the Northwatch Expedition also established a foothold in the far south of Durotar. This force was heavily supplied by a destroyer escort from Northwatch Hold, though it drew the aggressive attention of Horde elements based from the nearby Sen'jin Village.

This section concerns content related to the Jaina Proudmoore: Tides of War novel.

After the Attack on Theramore Isle, news of the attack traveled to Stormwind City and King Varian Wrynn ordered a major Alliance fleet to be dispatched to Durotar to lay siege to Bladefist Bay and potentially seize the Horde's capital. A feint intended to convince the Horde that the Alliance attack would come at Darkshore far to the north to break the recently-established blockade of the continent was organized, while King Varian himself led the real armada destined for Durotar on board the Lion of the Waves.

The feint appeared to have worked, and the Alliance fleet discovered only a few Horde ships stationed in Bladefist Bay upon arrival. Soon, however, Garrosh Hellscream revealed his true plans by summoning magically-enslaved kraken from beneath the waves, which quickly began tearing the Alliance's flotilla apart. Garrosh himself boarded King Varian's flagship and engaged him in combat, though this was interrupted when the Lion of the Waves was abruptly blown apart. Varian managed to get to another vessel and ordered the Alliance ships to retreat from the battle, but the fleet was entirely cut off by the kraken, and many vessels had already been lost.

Before the fleet could be annihilated, Jaina Proudmoore arrived with an army of water elementals (which she had intended to use to destroy Orgrimmar itself) and drove off or killed Garrosh's sea monsters. The remaining Alliance ships subsequently withdrew from the area, sailing to the ruined Northwatch Hold. The fleet quickly defeated and routed all Horde forces in the vicinity and reclaimed the port stronghold. In the wake of the sea battle outside Orgrimmar, Warchief Garrosh was forced to break the continent-wide blockade of Alliance ports on Kalimdor to free forces for the security of Durotar itself.

This section concerns content related to Mists of Pandaria.

Combined Alliance and Horde navies bear down on Bladefist Bay during the Siege of Orgrimmar.

During the Siege of Orgrimmar, the Alliance dispatched a vast fleet to blockade and seize Bladefist Bay, assisted by the navies of both the Forsaken and the blood elves. Though the Darkspear Rebellion failed to secure a landing point on the beach, the fleet launched its own assault on the shore and managed to eliminate the Kor'kron shore batteries and defenses.

Soon after, the flagship Turalyon's Might landed at Bladefist Bay and dropped off King Varian, Lady Jaina Proudmoore, and Vereesa Windrunner, along with Alliance troops. Together, these forces overcame Warlord Zaela and her forces, securing the beach for the coalition and pushing inland to the gates of Orgrimmar itself.

An Alliance gunship (possibly the Skyfire) was also used during the ensuing Siege of Orgrimmar, providing air support as it hovered above the city.

Seething Shore

This section concerns content related to Battle for Azeroth.

After the wound in Silithus was formed by Sargeras, a major skirmish broke out in the area between the Alliance and Horde for control of the Azerite resource. On a small island known as the Seething Shore off Silithus's coast, the Alliance gunship Skyguard led efforts to recover Azerite from the area. This force, overseen by Master Mathias Shaw, came into conflict with the Horde on their own gunship. Champions were parachuted from both vessels in order to battle for the Azerite appearing on the shore below.

High Seas

"Battle on the High Seas"

While the Alliance's navy is often used to support its land forces in continental campaigns, it has been known to frequently engage with Horde across the seas and oceans of Azeroth.

Shortly after the Cataclysm, the ship of the former Warchief of the Horde Thrall known as Draka's Fury was attacked by a contingent of Alliance ships led by the Vengeance Wake en route to the Maelstrom. The ambush was deliberate and carried out by the Alliance navy and SI:7 with the goal of taking Thrall into custody. During the engagement, the shaman's ship was sunk, and Thrall was indeed taken captive by the Alliance forces. A ship carrying a large group of goblins, fleeing the doomed island of Kezan coincidentally arrived during the battle, and was also destroyed by the Alliance ships to ensure there would be no witnesses to the operation. Thrall was eventually liberated from his prison on board the Vengeance Wake when some of the goblins who survived the sea battle launched a raid on the Alliance convoy. Thrall subsequently used his elemental powers to destroy the remaining Alliance naval forces present.

When the final battle against Deathwing the Destroyer came, the Alliance's Skyfire was deployed against the dragon and his allies. Having been injured by the Demon Soul wielded by Thrall, Deathwing fled towards the Maelstrom to escape, but was pursued by Thrall, the Dragon Aspects, and heroes of the Alliance and Horde on the gunship. While the airship was attacked in its pursuit by a force of Deathwing's minions commanded by Warmaster Blackhorn, the Skyfire and its crew were successfully able to repel the invaders and drop forces onto the back of Deathwing himself over the Frozen Sea.

Immediately upon the discovery of Pandaria, the gunship known as the Skyseeker arrived on the new continent on the north coast of the Jade Forest. The gunship was dispatched back to Stormwind City to retrieve reinforcements, but on the way ran into a Horde naval force. The Skyseeker defeated the enemy and took many of the Horde members prisoner on board the ship. As it continued its journey back to the Eastern Kingdoms, it ran into heavy fog, which eventually caused it to crash into the Wandering Isle. In the wake of the crash, the Alliance sailors were forced to work together with the Horde prisoners, along with the local pandaren, to repair the damage done to Shen-zin Su (the great turtle on which the isle sits) by the Skyseeker's crash, and subsequently return home.

At the time of the campaign in Pandaria, both the Alliance and Horde rushed fleets and reinforcements to the continent as part of each invasion. These fleets regularly engaged one another in the open waters on the way to Pandaria, leading to large-scale naval engagements. At least one Alliance fleet under the command of Admiral Hodgson was embroiled in these skirmishes, which involved numerous battleships.

Deepholm

This section concerns content related to Cataclysm.

The gunship Llane's Oath patrolled the skies within the elemental realm of Deepholm. During this mission, however, the crew was infiltrated by members of the Twilight's Hammer, and tricked into staging an ambush on the Horde's Storm's Fury, assigned to a similar purpose. After destroying the Horde gunship, almost all of the crew of the Llane's Oath were poisoned by the cult members, the exception being First Mate Moody who attempted to stop the ship from crashing.

Zandalar

This section concerns content related to Battle for Azeroth.

At the beginning of the Fourth War, a Horde strike force infiltrated Stormwind City and attempted to escape by sea with Princess Talanji of Zandalar. The 7th Fleet was sent after the invaders, eventually catching up to them near the coast of Zandalar itself. Waiting behind a wall of mist, the Zandalari Golden Fleet took the Alliance by surprise, sinking seven of the battleships in an opening salvo. The surviving ship returned to Stormwind with news of the event, while many survivors from the destroyed vessels made it to shore and established an outpost in eastern Zuldazar. These stranded sailors were reinforced by the Alliance later in the conflict.

As the war progressed, the Alliance began coordinating assaults on Zandalar itself. The 7th Fleet spearheaded the Faction Assault on Nazmir, landing an invasion force on the shores of Nazwatha. Though Horde naval and ground forces resisted the assault, the invaders managed to establish a beachhead and inland positions. Alliance agents later used an SI:7 Underwater Bomber (S.U.B) to directly attack the Horde fleet stationed nearby, sinking two battleships and a command vessel, along with smaller craft.

Northrend

This section concerns content related to Wrath of the Lich King.

The Skybreaker gunship in a gunnery duel with the Orgrim's Hammer over Icecrown.

When the war against the Lich King began, the Valiance Expedition had two major fleets landing on two separate parts of Northrend. One invasion force sailed to the Borean Tundra and established Valiance Keep in its south. The fleet would continue to ship troops and supplies to the keep throughout the conflict in Northrend to fuel the campaign. The Kraken was one such destroyer that regularly made the journey between Valiance Keep and Stormwind City. The Stormbreaker was one of the ships docked in the port that had been secretly infested with members of the Cult of the Damned, hoping to reach the continent. Admiral Cantlebree, commanding Alliance naval forces in the region, feared that many more Alliance ships across the continent may have been similarly compromised.

Meanwhile, another arm of the Valiance Expedition landed at Valgarde in the Howling Fjord and established a port and fortress there. Like Valiance Keep, this settlement was kept supplied by sea, with the Northspear creating a connection back to Menethil Harbor in the Wetlands. Valgarde itself was under the command of Vice Admiral Keller.

At the same time, Stormwind's North Fleet began to arrive on the eastern coast of the Howling Fjord. There, however, they met and engaged with a large Forsaken force based from Vengeance Landing. Before long, most of the easternmost section of this fleet had been sunk by the Forsaken, while the survivors established a small camp at the Derelict Strand. Using cannons, these surviving crew members were able to hold out against the Horde forces, and even managed to board some of their ships, though they were eventually overwhelmed. A Horde shipment from Undercity carrying a new form of plague was also intercepted and sunk by Alliance ships before it could reach Vengeance Landing.

The North Fleet near the Howling Fjord.

Another detachment of the North Fleet eventually arrived to reinforce that attacked by the Forsaken. The Royal Apothecary Society at Vengeance Landing employed a new type of plague against the approaching flotilla; though it forced the convoy to retreat, the only negative effects proved to be nausea and stomach pains.

Alliance and Horde forces waged a constant battle over access to the port of Venture Bay in Grizzly Hills. The icebreaker commanded by Captain Brightwater was involved in the conflict.

As the Northrend campaign developed, the Alliance, Horde, and Argent Crusade began to push into the Lich King's main stronghold of Icecrown. There, the Alliance deployed the Skybreaker gunship to act as a mobile base in the sky. Under the command of High Captain Justin Bartlett, the Skybreaker's entry into the conflict represented one of the known uses of the Alliance gunship in battle. The Skybreaker would play a pivotal role for Alliance interests in the region, and often engaged with the Horde gunship Orgrim's Hammer in firefights over Icecrown. The Alliance gunship would also go on to rescue Alliance champions who had infiltrated the Halls of Reflection, and even took part in the final assault on Icecrown Citadel, where it distinguished itself under the command of Magni Bronzebeard.

Alliance gunships were also used in the campaign to secure the Isle of Conquest off Northrend's coast, where they frequently served to bombard the Horde Keep. Alliance icebreakers would also take part in naval assaults on the Strand of the Ancients off the coast of the Dragonblight in an attempt to wrest the ancient titan citadel.

This section concerns content related to Cataclysm.

When the war against Deathwing reached its climax, the Alliance gunship Skyfire was stationed at Wyrmrest Temple in Dragonblight to aid in the fight against Deathwing and his monstrous allies. After providing fire support for much of the battle, it eventually acted as transport for Thrall, the Dragon Aspects, and heroes of the Alliance and Horde as they pursued the Destroyer over the Frozen Sea towards the Maelstrom.

Pandaria

This section concerns content related to Mists of Pandaria.

Alliance and Horde vessels clashing within the mists.

Shortly after the conclusion of the war against Deathwing and the fall of Theramore, the royal flagship known as the Vanguard carrying the Prince of Stormwind Anduin Wrynn on a diplomatic mission was attacked by part of the Horde's southern fleet in the South Seas. The ship would eventually run aground on an uncharted landmass that would soon be identified as Pandaria. In the wake of Anduin's disappearance and the discovery of Pandaria, the 7th Fleet was dispatched to the continent, though it would take weeks to arrive. In the meantime, King Varian ordered a small force to be assembled and sent immediately on board the Skyfire gunship to secure Pandaria and locate the prince.

The Skyfire, under the command of Sky Admiral Rogers, quickly arrived in Pandaria's Jade Forest and was immediately engaged by a Horde fleet based around the outpost of Garrosh'ar Point. Unleashing its gyrocopters and artillery upon the Horde force, the Skyfire eventually routed the entire army and managed to seize Garrosh'ar point.

An Alliance fleet, having arrived on the northern coast of the Jade Forest, managed to engage the Horde gunship Hellscream's Fist as it too arrived on the coast near Honeydew Village. The Alliance ships dealt serious damage to the gunship, which soon afterward took additional fire from Alliance forces based at Thunder Hold; it would eventually crash.

Later on in the Pandaria campaign, the Skyfire would spearhead the Assault on Zan'vess against the corrupted mantid.

Operation: Shieldwall

The Alliance fleet docked at Lion's Landing.

Two months after the discovery of Pandaria, the Alliance 7th Fleet arrived on the continent's southern coast in the Krasarang Wilds, bringing with it a massive invasion force. Making landfall with the army, the Operation: Shieldwall led by King Varian Wrynn established a large naval base known as Lion's Landing, in the east of the region. The 7th Fleet present, consisting of numerous battleships, submarines, and the Skyfire, immediately engaged with the Horde invasion force based from Domination Point some distance down the coast. In the ensuing struggle, the Alliance's naval forces bottled the Horde's into their harbor at Domination Point, though they suffered some casualties due to mines in the water. The Skyfire acted as a forward command post in the offensive to break the Horde base.

Naval bombardment from the Alliance's fleet caused considerable casualties among the vanguard forces of the Horde, while some of the survivors from sunken Alliance ships also established small positions on the isles close to Domination Point. Back at Lion's Landing, Horde ships were largely kept in check by cannons and coastal batteries protecting the approach by sea.

During the battle in the Krasarang Wilds, the Alliance navy outside Domination Point launched at least one major attempt to seize the Horde base that nearly succeeded, though it was eventually repelled. Similarly, Horde forces managed to infiltrate and threaten Lion's Landing, in doing so sabotaging and sinking several of the Alliance battleships moored there.

Isle of Thunder

When the Kirin Tor Offensive was launched to secure the Isle of Thunder and defeat the resurgent Thunder King, Alliance forces were involved in the subsequent assault. Though regular soldiers were not directly present, the ships used to reach and further secure the area belonged to the Alliance navy. Agents of the Sunreaver Onslaught eventually planted tactical mana bombs on the battleships stationed near Violet Rise during the conflict, though these were disarmed by heroes before they could detonate.

Alternate Draenor

This section concerns content related to Warlords of Draenor.

The Lunarfall Shipyard on alternate Draenor.

On alternate Draenor, after Gul'dan eventually seized control of the Iron Horde and pulled its forces back to Tanaan Jungle, the Alliance's commanders decided to construct a large shipyard at the Lunarfall Garrison in Shadowmoon Valley, with which to launch a less-costly assault on Tanaan.

With the aid of the shipwright Solog Roark, the Alliance erected a formidable shipyard, which was soon capable of producing almost every type of vessel in the Alliance navy. For the campaign against the Horde and Iron Horde, which spanned the all the oceans of Draenor, numerous battleships, destroyers, transport ships, submarines, and even re-purposed Iron Horde dreadnaughts to be used as aircraft carriers. In the ensuing campaign, dozens of missions, sea battles, and operations were carried out by the Lunarfall fleet across Draenor, extending Alliance control throughout the world.

Various new schematics were acquired and used to improve the designs of the fleet, which was ultimately under the command of the commander of the Lunarfall Garrison. With the eventual success of the campaign in Draenor, construction and maintenance of the Alliance's fleet on the world likely ceased.

Broken Isles

This section concerns content related to Legion.

Broken Shore

The Third Fleet assembles in Stormwind Harbor for the impending Battle for the Broken Shore.

When the third invasion of the Burning Legion began, the Alliance navy assembled in great numbers in Stormwind Harbor for the attack on the Broken Isles, eventually setting sail for the Broken Shore and rendezvousing with a similar Horde fleet. Together, the combined armada began the Battle for the Broken Shore, which mainly occurred in two waves.

The first wave of the attack, led by High King Varian Wrynn and Warchief Sylvanas Windrunner, consisted of the bulk of the Stormwind Fleet, with the Lion's Oath gunship acting as the command ship for the Alliance's forces. This first attack force would suffer heavy casualties upon arrival, with the majority of the fleet destroyed, including at least two gunships. The second wave, spearheaded by champions of the Alliance alongside champions of the Horde, managed to successfully land on the Broken Shore on ships of the third fleet and secure a beachhead against the Legion.

The second wave of Alliance and Horde was ultimately destroyed or beaten back too; many of the surviving Alliance only narrowly managed to escape aboard a gunship, while King Varian himself was killed. In the aftermath, the Battle for the Broken Shore proved to be a disastrous defeat for the Alliance, Horde, and others involved, with a sizable amount of the Alliance navy having been lost in the assault.

Stormheim

Following the Battle for the Broken Shore, Alliance and Horde fleets began to converge independently on the region of Stormheim in the eastern Broken Isles, ostensibly to locate the Aegis of Aggramar, though conflict between the two sides quickly erupted. The Skyfire, having spotted the Forsaken Windrunner Fleet near the coast upon their arrival, immediately engaged the enemy despite being separated from the main Alliance fleet. When 7th Legion troops boarded the Horde vessels, they discovered that Sylvanas Windrunner had already departed, while at the same time the Skyfire had itself been boarded by Horde forces led by Nathanos Blightcaller. Despite the best efforts of the crew, Forsaken saboteurs managed to seriously damage the Skyfire, which subsequently crashed in western Stormheim. The Windrunner Fleet too was left practically wiped out by the battle.

In the wake of the opening conflict, Alliance naval forces continued to remain active in the area. Much of the crew survived the Skyfire's crash and established the Skyfire Triage Camp near the wreckage. King Genn Greymane continued his offensive against Sylvanas's forces throughout Stormheim, and received naval support from at least one ship when he launched an attack on the Forsaken base at Dreadwake's Landing.

Kul Tiras

This section concerns content related to Battle for Azeroth.

The Kul Tiran fleet emerging from the mist to end the Siege of Boralus.

During the Fourth War, the Horde's campaign to gain the Zandalari's Golden Fleet prompted the Alliance to bolster its own naval forces. To this end, Jaina Proudmoore was sent to her home of Kul Tiras to enlist the nation's legendary fleet in the impending war. The fleet's return occurred during the Siege of Boralus, when Jaina used her own ties to the ships to call them back to Kul Tiras, just in time to prevent the city from falling to Priscilla Ashvane. In the wake of this victory, Jaina was named Lord Admiral of Kul Tiras, and the nation's power was officially joined to that of the Alliance. Tidesages were thus added to the Alliance navy and could be found on ships in Stormwind Harbor.

After the fall of N'Zoth and the escape of Sylvanas, the Kul Tiran fleet scoured the seas of Azeroth on the command of the Lord Admiral, hoping to find the Banshee Queen to put her to justice.

In the following years, Lord Admiral Jaina Proudmoore and her fleet were reported to be in conflict with the pirates in Kul Tiras.

Khaz Algar

This section concerns content related to The War Within.

After the destruction of Dalaran in 42 ADP, Lord Commander Turalyon led an Alliance fleet to aid the survivors of the crash and stop Xal'atath in Khaz Algar.

Fleets and forces

• Seventh Fleet
• Gilnean navy
• Kaldorei Fleet
• Kul Tiran fleet
• Lordaeron Navy ^†
• North Fleet
• Northwatch Expeditionary Unit
• S.E.A.L.F
• Stormwind Fleet
• Third Fleet

Vessels

Name	Description	Examples	Image
Battleship	Standard battleship used by the Alliance navy, forming the bulk of many Alliance fleets. This particular class was first used during the campaign in Pandaria, and hosts improved armor around the bow as well as an increased complement of heavy cannons. Effective at outclassing smaller destroyers but generally susceptible to carriers and air attacks.	Turalyon's Might, Seabolt, Wind's Redemption, Valor's Edge, Spellsails, Defiant, Rhonin's Beard
Icebreaker	Originally designed and built for the Northrend campaign (hence their name), the icebreaker quickly became the Alliance's main class of destroyer, and as such usually supports larger battleships. Mainly steam-powered, though it possesses masts and sails. May utilize gnomish or dwarven engineering in its design. Very heavily armored on all sides. They can be used to counter the threat of submarines but are largely outclassed by larger and more powerful battleships.	Blackpool, Northspear, Bellipotent, Assurance, Kraken, Stormbreaker, Frostbreaker
Gunship	Highly versatile and complex airships that can act as mobile command centers during battle. First used during the Northrend campaign, eventually becoming common in all major Alliance campaigns. Kept aloft and powered by four main, and numerous auxiliary propellers. The design heavily incorporates gnomish and dwarven engineering, and can often act as an aircraft carrier by hosting complements of gyrocopters and other craft. Heavily armored and possessing extremely heavy firepower. Have been known to singlehandedly tackle entire enemy fleets.	Skyfire, Skybreaker, Llane's Oath, Skyseeker, Sword of Dawn, Lion's Oath, Skyguard
Human transport ship	Standard multi-purpose sailing ship used by the Alliance navy as both battleships and transport ships during many wars. Can host heavy cannons but possesses little additional armor. They have been largely replaced in a combat setting with the newer class of armored battleship as of the Pandaria campaign.	Bravery, Tidebreaker, Lady Mehley, Intrepid, Voldrin's Hold, Maiden's Virtue, Vengeance Wake
Gnomish submarine	Submersible and amphibious craft of gnomish design, capable of carrying out many different types of operations. Modern version first deployed in the wake of the Cataclysm. Sophisticated in its design, these vessels are capable of striking both surface and underwater targets, and can even take to the land and function as a ground assault craft. Heavily armored and possessing a varied array of weaponry. Can be effectively negated by destroyers.	X-2 Pincer, Pincer X2, M.A.C. Diver
Carrier	Large vessels of Iron Horde design, very similar in appearance to dreadnaughts. Used exclusively during the war in Draenor, by the Alliance navy, acting as mobile bases for gyrocopters and bombers. Heavily armored and generally effective against battleships, but vulnerable to submarines.	Alleria's Valor, Theramore's Revenge, Menethil March, Hammer of Justice, Anduin's Prayer
Darnassian transport	Small and light transport vessel used by the night elves of Darnassus. Possesses no in-built firepower and no armor. Used for regional transport and not seen in war fleets, though are capable of crossing large oceans. Propelled by a single, large lateen sail.	Elune's Blessing, Moonspray, Feathermoon Ferry

Kul Tiran

Name	Description	Examples	Image
Kul Tiran Flagship	Largest ships in the Kul Tiran fleet, and sometimes accompanied by smaller destroyers. They are equipped with two rows of cannons on each side, as well as being more heavily armored in the front and rear than other vessels. More decks and levels also make these vessels the largest battleships in the Alliance navy.	Abyssal Melody
Kul Tiran destroyer	Medium-sized warships most common outside of major fleets. Possess a single row of cannons and three main masts. Though capable of battle, they are also frequently used as transport, cargo, and trade vessels in around Kul Tiras and beyond. Some may be operated by Kul Tiran civilians, or commissioned privateers, outside of the navy itself.	The Relentless

Ranks

Some of the known ranks of the Alliance navy, in order of most to least senior, are:

Rank	Role	Individuals	Types
Grand Admiral	In overall command of the Alliance navy, under the Alliance's High King. Only one individual has been known to hold this title at any time.	Grand Admiral Jes-Tereth (current) Grand Admiral Daelin Proudmoore †
Admiral, Sky Admiral	In command of a particular vessel as a flagship, but often responsible for numerous ships, and sometimes whole fleets.	Sky Admiral Catherine Rogers Admiral Cantlebree Admiral Dvorek † Admiral Nightwind Admiral Odesyus Admiral Tarlen Aubrey † Admiral Taylor †
Vice Admiral	A senior officer, higher-ranking than a rear admiral but subordinate to an admiral.	Vice Admiral Keller
Sky Marshal	A highly-ranked officer. More than one are typically present per vessel.
Rear Admiral	Similar to the role of admiral or vice admiral, but presumably responsible for fewer ships and resources.	Rear Admiral Hartley
High Captain	A ship captain presumably granted expanded authority, responsibilities, and resources for their disposal. Only one individual has been known to hold this title.	High Captain Justin Bartlett
Captain, Sky Captain	Given command of a single ship, which may be part of a larger fleet. Sometimes but not always under the command of an admiral.	War Captain Tremblade Sky Captain Callanan Sky Captain Swayze † Knight-Captain Ponoroff Captain Day Captain Telda Stonefist	Alliance Captains Alliance Captains (Lost Isles)
Lieutenant	Acts somewhat as second-in-command to captains or other high-ranking officers, carrying out orders on their behalf.	Lieutenant Buckland
Ensign	Not in direct command of a vessel, but known to assist the captain or other high-ranking officer in the running of the ship and other tasks.	Ensign Ebbert Ensign Ward
Sailor, Deckhand, Marine	Lowest-ranking members of the navy; carry out the manual labor and general fighting involved in battle. Marines may not always be present on a ship.

Ranks from across the Alliance's military forces have been known to cross over, or outright overlap, such as Taylor's progression from a naval Admiral to an army General, or Tremblade's holding both the army rank of Grand Marshal as well as the naval rank of Captain. Note that the above table lists the characters in their highest known rank.

The Alliance Naval Command likely exercises supreme authority over all naval forces, at least under the authority of the Alliance leaders themselves.

Notable members

Name	Description	Status
Grand Admiral Jes-Tereth	Grand Admiral and highest-ranking known member of the navy. Liaises with the High King of the Alliance on naval matters and issues orders to the fleet. Major commander during the campaign in Pandaria and briefly captained the Wind's Redemption shortly before the Argus Campaign, and during the Fourth War.	Alive
Lord Admiral Jaina Proudmoore	High-ranking Alliance leader and legendary mage, who succeeded her mother as Lord Admiral of Kul Tiras at the end of the war in Kul Tiras. Kul Tiras and its navy would subsequently join the Alliance.	Alive
Admiral Taylor	Admiral in the Alliance navy. First took part in the naval campaign in Vashj'ir before being promoted to lead the Alliance forces during the war in Pandaria. Ultimately promoted to commander, and slain during the war in Draenor.	Active
Sky Admiral Rogers	Captain of the Skyfire following the death of Sky Captain Swayze. One of the lead commanders in the field during the early stages of the campaign in Pandaria, and later took part in Operation: Shieldwall. Partly led the attack on the Windrunner Fleet during the war in the Broken Isles, in which the Skyfire was ultimately destroyed, though much of its crew survived.	Alive
Admiral Aubrey	Admiral in the Northwatch Expeditionary Unit and commander of Northwatch Hold. Led the Northwatch's defense against the Horde and later died of the mana bomb during the Attack on Theramore Isle.	Deceased
Admiral Odesyus	Admiral of a small fleet which was beached on Odesyus' Landing on Azuremyst Isle, where they made contact with the recently-arrived draenei, precipitating that race's entry into the Alliance.	Alive
Admiral Walsh	Admiral of Kul Tiran background who captained vessels during the War in Draenor, the Sword of Dawn during the Battle for the Broken Shore, and a gunship during the Battle for Stromgarde.	Alive
Vice Admiral Keller	Vice Admiral of the fleet and commander of the Valiance Expedition forces in Valgarde during the war against the Lich King.	Alive
High Captain Justin Bartlett	Captain of the Skyseeker in Icecrown during the Northrend campaign. Under his command, the gunship would play a major role in the defeat of the Lich King in Icecrown Citadel.	Alive
Grand Marshal Tremblade	Captain of the Skyguard during the conflict on the Seething Shore for control of Azerite sources.	Alive
Admiral Nightwind	Admiral of the Kaldorei Fleet that came to the save the Gilnean people during the Forsaken's Invasion of Gilneas.	Alive
Rear Admiral Hartley	Rear admiral of the Northwatch Expeditionary Unit in the Barrens and commander of the Bellipotent. Involved in the conflict against the Horde near the neutral port of Ratchet, where he harassed vessels suspected of enemy allegiance.	Alive
Admiral Dvorek	Admiral of a force of Alliance sailors fighting with the Horde over the islands above Vashj'ir. He ultimately led and died in a major campaign against the naga leader Lady Naz'jar.	Deceased
Sky Captain Swayze	Captain of the Skyfire during the pursuit of Deathwing over the Frozen Sea. He eventually drops to his death from the Destroyer's back during the ensuing battle.	Deceased
Admiral Cantlebree	Admiral of the Valiance Expedition's naval forces based from Valiance Keep in the Borean Tundra during the Northrend campaign.	Alive
Admiral Hodgson	Admiral of an Alliance fleet sent to reinforce the army on Pandaria. Fought a major naval engagement with a similarly-bound Horde fleet commanded by Admiral Hagman.	Killable

Notes and trivia

• The Silver Dawning and the Mist Veil are two shipwrecked ships off the coast of Darkshore. They were captained by night elf captains.
• The invasion on the distant world of Outland remains the only major war to date that the Alliance has engaged in where its navy has played no active role.
• It is unclear what the exact size of the Alliance's navy is at any time, though King Varian Wrynn described having "Two hundred ships at [his] disposal" at the beginning of the campaign in Pandaria. This may, however, be in reference to a particular fleet, rather than the navy as a whole.
• The command structure of the naval forces of the Scarlet Crusade resembles that of the Alliance navy, possessing, for example, a single Grand Admiral.
• Numerous members of the Alliance navy have been seen to wear the tabard traditionally associated with Theramore, despite having no apparent connection to the settlement. This might imply that that tabard is also used to represent the Alliance navy itself.
• By the time of the campaign in Pandaria, the Skyfire gunship was considered the most powerful vessel in the navy.

Gallery

• 

  The ships stolen by the Horde before the Third War, moored in the Darkspear Islands.
• 

  An Alliance fleet above Vashj'ir, along with a Horde presence.
• 

  Alliance and Horde ships in battle near Pandaria.
• 

  The Skyfire in the Jade Forest.
• 

  Naval forces in combat in the Krasarang Wilds.

See also

• Alliance air force
• Stormwind Army
• Horde navy