About this Unit
The Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEASYSCOM), established in 1974, is the largest of the United States Navy’s five system commands. Headquartered at the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, D.C., NAVSEASYSCOM is responsible for engineering, building, buying, and maintaining the Navy’s ships, submarines, and combat systems. Its formation brought together several previously separate entities focused on ship systems acquisition and lifecycle management. Over the years, NAVSEASYSCOM has played a crucial role in supporting the Navy’s technological advancements and fleet readiness, ensuring maritime superiority for the United States.
Historical Facts
•
Origins in World War II: NAVSEASYSCOM (Naval Sea Systems Command) traces its roots back to the Bureau of Ships, established in 1940 to coordinate ship design and procurement during World War II.
•
Creation of NAVSEASYSCOM: NAVSEASYSCOM was officially established in 1974, merging several Navy material bureaus to streamline logistics, procurement, and maintenance of naval vessels and systems.
•
Largest of the Navy’s Systems Commands: NAVSEASYSCOM is the largest of the Navy’s five “SYSCOMs,” with over 80,000 military and civilian personnel worldwide.
•
Shipbuilding and Maintenance: The command is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the Navy’s ships and submarines, as well as their combat and weapons systems.
•
Lead on Nuclear Submarines: NAVSEASYSCOM oversees the development and maintenance of the U.S. Navy’s nuclear-powered submarines, including the Virginia and Ohio-class fleets.
•
Historic Salvage Operations: NAVSEASYSCOM’s Naval Sea Systems Command Supervisor of Salvage and Diving (SUPSALV) has participated in notable operations like the recovery of the Space Shuttle Challenger wreckage in 1986.
•
Naval Reactors Program: NAVSEASYSCOM works closely with the Naval Reactors program, founded by Admiral Hyman G. Rickover, to manage nuclear propulsion for the Navy.
•
Innovations in Ship Design: The command has led revolutionary shipbuilding programs, such as the Zumwalt-class destroyers, which feature advanced stealth and automation technologies.
•
Global Presence: NAVSEASYSCOM manages shipyards, warfare centers, and facilities across the United States and abroad, supporting the Navy’s global mission.
•
Cybersecurity Leadership: In recent years, NAVSEASYSCOM has taken a leading role in strengthening cybersecurity for naval systems, defending against increasing cyber threats to military platforms.
