Although the modern Royal Navy was structured following independence, the Moroccan naval military traces its roots back to the 11th century, with the rise of the
Almoravid dynasty, and its ambition for naval hegemony in the
Mediterranean Sea.
Admiral Abdullah Ben Meimoun is credited for being the first commander of the
Almoravid dynasty organized naval forces. With the Almohad dynasty taking over most of northern Africa, together with
Al-Andalus, the Almohad dynasty navy soon became the "first fleet of the Mediterranean". At its peak, the
Almohad navy's military reputation was well known, inciting
Ayyubid dynasty Egypt and
Saladin to seek its help in preventing
Crusades expeditions. The 16th century marked the decline of the Moroccan state and consequently the navy that served it. The capture of major coastal cities and locations by
Spain and
Portugal significantly affected
Morocco's naval capabilities. The history of the modern Royal Moroccan Navy began in 1960 with its foundation by King
Mohammed V. The first admiral of the modern Moroccan Navy was Vice Admiral Mohammed Triki, who held the position as the Commander in Chief of the Royal Moroccan Navy for 14 years from 1991 to 2005, and devoted 46 years of service to the Moroccan Navy. Vice Admiral Triki was awarded these decorations: (from Morocco) Legion of the Order of Commander, Knight of the Order of the Throne by King Hassan II; (from France) Legion of Honor by President
Jacques Chirac; (from USA) Legion of Merit by President Bill Clinton; and (from Spain) Legion of Merit. == Ranks ==