Navy Installations Command marks 23 years as the backbone of Navy readiness

WASHINGTON — The Navy’s shore enterprise marked its 23rd anniversary on Friday, highlighting a year of initiatives aimed at boosting fleet readiness and improving daily life for Sailors and families across 10 regions and 71 installations worldwide.

“For 23 years, our Sailors, civilians and partners have built an enterprise that quietly powers every Navy mission,” said Vice Adm. Brad Collins, who leads Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC). “Whether supporting a carrier strike group, maintaining critical infrastructure or caring for Navy families, readiness begins with the strength of our installations.”

CNIC framed the milestone within Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle’s “Foundry, Fleet, Fight” effort to generate combat power by strengthening the industrial base, modernizing infrastructure, and accelerating readiness across the force. Over the past year, the command said it has accelerated the No Sailor Lives Ashore effort through barracks modernization and expanded unaccompanied housing options; piloted human performance and enhanced shore food service programs to improve nutrition and resilience; shifted installation maintenance and public works under installation commanding officers to speed repairs; and broadened virtual counseling and family support to expand access to behavioral health and quality-of-life resources regardless of duty station.

Entering its 24th year, CNIC said it will prioritize modernizing aging waterfront infrastructure, shoring up energy resilience, improving installation security, accelerating barracks investments, and delivering more data-informed services to Sailors and families in support of distributed maritime operations.

“The Foundry, Fleet, Fight vision reminds us that combat power is built long before the first ship leaves the pier,” Collins said. “Our responsibility is to create the environments where people, platforms, and missions are ready to perform at their very best. That is the enduring value of the Shore Enterprise.”

Established on Oct. 1, 2003, CNIC serves as the Navy’s single shore installation management command and oversees roughly 63,000 personnel who support warfighting by manning, training, and equipping the shore. The command manages infrastructure sustainment and development as well as quality-of-life programs across the Navy’s global footprint. More information is available at www.cnic.navy.mil.