Question: What unit from the Roman Army consisting of centuries enjoyed more prestige than the Roman navy?
Sentence (from "Roman navy"): The navy was instrumental in the Roman conquest of the Mediterranean basin, but it never enjoyed the prestige of the Roman legions. Throughout their history, the Romans remained a primarily land-based people and relied partially on their more nautically inclined subjects, such as the Greeks and the Egyptians, to build their ships.
Relevant evidence: Yes