COMNAVSURFLANT

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Branch

U.S. Navy

Members

About COMNAVSURFLANT

Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic (COMNAVSURFLANT) is a key echelon II command in the United States Navy, established in 1975 to oversee and manage the readiness, training, and operational deployment of Atlantic Fleet surface warships. Headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, COMNAVSURFLANT is responsible for all surface combatants, amphibious ships, and associated support units assigned to the Atlantic Fleet. The command has played a vital role in operations ranging from the Cold War maritime strategy to post-9/11 homeland defense and overseas contingency operations. Throughout its history, COMNAVSURFLANT has ensured that U.S. surface forces remain prepared to project power, maintain sea control, and support joint and allied operations worldwide.

Unit Members

Thomas Matthew Cashman

U.S. Navy

COMNAVSURFLANTView Profile

Courtney Tate

U.S. Navy

COMNAVSURFLANTView Profile

Photos

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

About COMNAVSURFLANT

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Founding Date: Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic (COMNAVSURFLANT) was established in 1975 to centralize command and management of Atlantic Fleet surface forces. • World War II Roots: Its lineage traces back to World War II organizations that managed the immense fleet of battleships, destroyers, and landing ships used in the Atlantic theater. • Location: COMNAVSURFLANT's headquarters is based at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia—the largest naval base in the world. • Fleet Size: At times, COMNAVSURFLANT has been responsible for over 70 surface ships, including guided missile cruisers, destroyers, amphibious ships, and more. • Key Operations: Ships under COMNAVSURFLANT have participated in major conflicts, including Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. • Women in Command: In 2020, Rear Admiral Brendan McLane took command, and COMNAVSURFLANT has been at the forefront of integrating women into surface warfare roles. • Tactical Innovations: The command has pioneered tactics in naval gunnery, missile defense, and anti-submarine warfare, playing a leading role in the evolution of the modern surface fleet. • Support for Allies: COMNAVSURFLANT frequently trains and operates alongside NATO and allied navies, strengthening international maritime cooperation and security. • Disaster Response: Ships under COMNAVSURFLANT have provided critical humanitarian assistance in the aftermath of hurricanes, such as Hurricane Katrina in 2005. • Ship Decommissionings: The command has overseen the retirement of several historic ships, including the last of the battleships and early guided missile cruisers, marking the end of naval eras.