For reconnaissance, patrols and blockades, the 2IC will order the fleet to stay in each objective hex for as long as possible, given the endurance of the fleet and the length of the overall mission. In between these objectives, he will sail the feet at the standard cruising speed for the type of mission. (See Cruising speeds).
Minelaying missions are special in that the 2IC will calculate the movement path of the fleet generally in acordance with the order of precedence of the objectives, but will change the order when necessary so as to attempt to a set minimum number of mines in all objective hexes before returning to add more.
The objective hexes themeselves can be set by yourself (setting your own objective hexes), or by the 2IC .