Appendix 2
CNO-Cominch Duties
Definition of duties as between the
Chief of Naval Operations and the
Commander in Chief, United States Fleet

1. Executive Order No. 8984, of December 18, 1941, assigned certain duties to the Commander in Chief, United States Fleet and directed that, subject thereto, the duties and responsibilities of the Chief of Naval Operations remain unchanged. The definition of duties between the Chief of Naval Operations and the Commander in Chief, United States Fleet is shown hereunder.

Under Chief of Naval Operations   Under Commander in Chief
(a) Issues orders for commissioning and initial assignment of vessels and aircraft units. Issues orders for decommissioning vessels. Performs certain administrative functions -- in liaison with Commander in Chief -- regarding operating forces. Allocates floating equipment to yards and stations.

Operates naval local defense forces and district craft; has cognizance of other naval district matters as regards general policy, military administration and defensive measures.

  (a) Organization, assignment and operation of the several fleets, the special task forces and the sea frontier forces. Operation and escort of allied vessels in United States waters. Information to other departmental offices and agencies concerning location and address of ships under the Commander in Chief. Outside correspondence concerning movement, location and operation of vessels of forces under the Commander in Chief. Review of courts and boards involving important units or personnel.
(b) Prepares war plans from the long range point of view.   (b) Prepares and executes plans for current war operations.
(c) Directs training of naval local defense forces.   (c) Directs training and readiness essential to carrying out operations.
(d) Keeps Commander in Chief informed as to extent to which logistic and other needs of the forces under his command can be met.   (d) Keeps Chief of Naval Operations informed as to logistic and other needs of the fleets and forces under the Commander in Chief.

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Under CNO -- Continued   Under C-in-C -- Continued
(e) Advises the Secretary of the Navy on all business of the department in regard to insular governments and foreign relations.   (e) Makes recommendations to the Secretary of the Navy through Chief of Naval Operations.
(f) Has direction of Office of Naval Intelligence, which office furnishes information to Commander in Chief.   (f) Maintains a fleet intelligence section in close contact with Office of Naval Intelligence and other sources of information.
(g) Has direction of Naval Communication Service.   (g) Maintains a fleet communication section in close connection with the Director of Naval Communications.
(h) Coordinates all repairs and alterations to vessels and the supply of personnel and material thereto; controls docking and overhaul of vessels, preparing schedules and issuing orders in regard thereto. Keeps Commander in Chief informed.   (h) Maintenance liaison.
(i) The formation of convoys and their routing, in close liaison with Commander in Chief.   (i) Maintains liaison, furnishes escorts.
(j) Operates the Naval Transportation Service, in liaison with Commander in Chief.   (j) Maintains liaison, furnishes escorts.
(k) Advises the Secretary of the Navy in regard to the military features and design of all new ships and as to any alterations of a ship which may affect her military value; as to the location, capacity, and protection of navy yards and naval stations, including all features which affect their military value; also, as to matters pertaining to fuel reservations and depots, the location of radio stations, visual signal stations, reserve of ordnance and ammunition, fuel, stores, and other supplies of whatsoever nature, with a view to meeting effectively the demands of the fleet.   (k) Makes recommendations to Secretary of the Navy through Chief of Naval Operations.

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