Praise briefly for a novice running The Fleet (7)

I believe the answer is:

admiral

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'fleet' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't see how they can define each other.

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for admiral that I've seen before include "Eg, Nelson" , "Highest ranking naval officer" , "Senior naval officer" , "Navy rank" , "Navy chief" .)

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times (Crosaire) and the Irish Times.

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