In 1588, Sir Francis Drake was appointed vice admiral of the English Navy, under Lord Charles Howard. On July 21, 130 ships of the Spanish Armada entered the English Channel in a crescent formation. The English fleet sailed out to meet them. For several days, the English fleet used its superior speed and maneuverability to harass the Armada with long-range cannon fire. Two Spanish ships were damaged and had to be rescued. Drake was able to capture one of the Spanish ships carrying the payroll for the Spanish Army.