Commodore used to be an official rank in the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard (O-6) rank, same as for a Captain (equivalent to a Colonel in the Army or Air Force), a courtesy or honorary title reserved for Captains in command of a fleet or squadron from 1794 until it was disestablished in 1899. It was revived in April 1943, as a one-star rank (O-7) until it was discontinued in 1983, when it again reverted to that of an honorary title versus an actual rank for the limited number of captains in command of multiple units. Rear Admiral (lower half) is now the next highest rank (O-7), then Rear Admiral (O-8), Vice Admiral (O-9), and Admiral (O-10). Lt. Cmdr. McHale is rank O-4, and a Cmdr. is an O-5, between Lt. Cmdr. McHale and Capt. Binghamton.