We accumulate ships -- and when we get our second ship, we're told we're forming a fleet. In that case, wouldn't it be something if, during broad-side battle, our two second most strongest ships appeared to help us, if we're fighting an enemy ship solo -- the same way that pets appear in battle? It would also give us reason to buy additional ships, like the ones we got, so all three ships in our attack squads are equally competitive ...
Yes, that sounds really cool. It would be very helpful. Maybe there could be options as to if you don't want another of your ships to join you, like for when you're farming low level stuff.