COMNAVAIRFOR Instructions: A Comprehensive Overview (as of 02/10/2026)
COMNAVAIRFOR instructions govern naval aviation maintenance, navigation, and related policies; they are crucial for operational readiness and safety across all fleet activities․
COMNAVAIRFOR Instructions represent the authoritative guidance issued by the Commander, Naval Air Forces, dictating policies and procedures for all facets of naval aviation․ These instructions, current as of February 10, 2026, are vital for maintaining operational excellence and safety standards throughout the fleet․
Specifically, COMNAVAIRFORINST 4790․2A details the Naval Aviation Maintenance Program (NAMP), a cornerstone of aviation readiness․ The NAMP, sponsored by the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) and implemented by COMNAVAIRFOR, comprehensively addresses maintenance policies, procedures, and clearly defines responsibilities at every maintenance level․
Understanding these instructions is paramount for all personnel involved in naval aviation, ensuring consistent application of best practices and adherence to established regulations․ Access to these directives is readily available through resources like the Naval Logistics Library․

The Role of COMNAVAIRFOR in Naval Aviation
COMNAVAIRFOR serves as the central authority for establishing and enforcing standards across all naval aviation maintenance and operational activities․ This command directly sponsors and implements the Naval Aviation Maintenance Program (NAMP), guided by the CNO’s direction, ensuring consistent readiness fleet-wide․
Through detailed instructions like COMNAVAIRFORINST 4790․2A, the command dictates policies governing maintenance procedures at all levels – from organizational to depot-level maintenance․ Furthermore, COMNAVAIRFOR collaborates with COMNAVSURFOR, particularly regarding navigation regulations as outlined in Instruction 3530․4B․
Ultimately, COMNAVAIRFOR’s role is to optimize aviation capabilities, enhance safety, and maintain the highest levels of operational preparedness for the U․S․ Navy and Marine Corps․

Key COMNAVAIRFOR Instructions
Key instructions, such as 4790․2A (NAMP) and 3530․4B (Navigation), define vital policies and procedures for naval aviation maintenance and operations․
COMNAVAIRFORINST 4790․2A: Naval Aviation Maintenance Program (NAMP)
COMNAVAIRFORINST 4790․2A establishes the Naval Aviation Maintenance Program (NAMP), sponsored by the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) and implemented by COMNAVAIRFOR․ This instruction comprehensively addresses maintenance policies, procedures, and clearly defined responsibilities for conducting the NAMP at every level of maintenance within naval aviation․ It serves as a foundational guide for all personnel involved in aircraft upkeep and readiness․
The NAMP ensures standardized maintenance practices, promoting safety and maximizing aircraft availability․ It dictates how maintenance is performed, documented, and overseen, contributing directly to the fleet’s operational capabilities․ Adherence to this instruction is paramount for maintaining a robust and reliable naval aviation force․
Overview of the NAMP Instruction
The NAMP instruction, COMNAVAIRFORINST 4790․2A, provides a detailed introduction and guide for utilizing the Naval Aviation Maintenance Program․ Chapter 1 specifically outlines the program’s core principles and intended application․ It’s designed to standardize maintenance across all naval aviation platforms, ensuring consistent quality and safety․
This instruction details the scope of the NAMP, encompassing preventative maintenance, corrective actions, and scheduled inspections․ It emphasizes a proactive approach to maintenance, aiming to identify and address potential issues before they impact operational readiness․ The NAMP’s overarching goal is to maximize aircraft availability while upholding the highest safety standards․
NAMP Sponsorship and Implementation
The Naval Aviation Maintenance Program (NAMP) receives direct sponsorship and direction from the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), highlighting its critical importance to naval aviation․ COMNAVAIRFOR is specifically tasked with the implementation of the NAMP throughout all levels of maintenance within naval aviation․
This implementation involves establishing clear policies, procedures, and responsibilities for all personnel involved in aircraft maintenance․ COMNAVAIRFOR ensures consistent application of the NAMP across various commands and platforms․ Effective implementation relies on robust training programs and diligent oversight to maintain program integrity and achieve optimal aircraft readiness․
Maintenance Policies and Procedures within NAMP
COMNAVAIRFORINST 4790․2A comprehensively addresses maintenance policies and procedures integral to the Naval Aviation Maintenance Program (NAMP)․ These policies encompass preventative maintenance, corrective maintenance, and scheduled inspections, all designed to maximize aircraft operational readiness and safety․
Detailed procedures outline specific tasks, required tools, and quality control measures for each maintenance action․ The NAMP emphasizes a risk-based approach, prioritizing maintenance based on potential hazards and operational impact․ COMNAVAIRFOR ensures these policies are consistently applied, fostering a culture of meticulous maintenance practices throughout naval aviation․
COMNAVSURFOR/COMNAVAIRFOR INSTRUCTION 3530․4B: Navigation Department Regulations
COMNAVSURFOR/COMNAVAIRFOR INSTRUCTION 3530․4B establishes the organizational structure and regulations governing Navigation Departments aboard surface ships․ This instruction references key directives like OPNAVINST 3120․32 (Series) and U․S․ Navy Regulations, ensuring alignment with broader Navy policy․
It details responsibilities for maintaining accurate navigational records, employing proper charting procedures, and utilizing navigational equipment․ The instruction also addresses training requirements for navigation personnel, emphasizing proficiency in essential skills․ Adherence to this instruction is vital for safe and efficient vessel operation, minimizing navigational risks and upholding maritime standards․
Surface Ship Navigation Organization
COMNAVSURFOR/COMNAVAIRFOR INSTRUCTION 3530․4B meticulously outlines the organizational framework of Navigation Departments on surface ships․ This structure typically includes key positions like the Navigator, Officer of the Deck (OOD), and various watchstanders responsible for continuous monitoring and control․
Clear delineation of duties and reporting relationships ensures effective communication and coordination during all navigational phases․ The instruction emphasizes the importance of a well-defined chain of command, enabling swift decision-making and appropriate responses to changing conditions․ Proper organization is paramount for maintaining situational awareness and preventing navigational errors․
Regulations Governing Navigation Departments
COMNAVSURFOR/COMNAVAIRFOR INSTRUCTION 3530․4B establishes comprehensive regulations for surface ship Navigation Departments, referencing foundational documents like OPNAVINST 3120․32 (Series) and U․S․ Navy Regulations․ These regulations cover essential aspects such as watchstanding procedures, collision avoidance, chart maintenance, and the use of navigational equipment․
Strict adherence to these guidelines is mandatory to ensure safe and efficient navigation․ The instruction details specific requirements for maintaining accurate logs, conducting regular drills, and reporting any navigational incidents․ Compliance with these regulations is critical for upholding the Navy’s commitment to maritime safety and operational excellence․

References and Supporting Instructions
COMNAVSURFOR/COMNAVAIRFOR INSTRUCTION 3530․4B draws authority from and is supplemented by several key references, including OPNAVINST 3120․32 (Series), which outlines Navy-wide operational policies․ U․S․ Navy Regulations provide the foundational legal framework for naval conduct, while COMPACFLTINST 3140․3/COMLANTFLTINST 3140․9 offer fleet-specific guidance․
Furthermore, OPNAVINST C3000․8 provides additional direction relevant to navigation procedures․ These supporting instructions ensure a cohesive and standardized approach to navigation across the fleet, reinforcing the primary instruction’s objectives and promoting consistent application of best practices for maritime safety and operational efficiency․

Accessing COMNAVAIRFOR Instructions
COMNAVAIRFOR instructions are readily available through the Naval Logistics Library, requiring a Common Access Card (CAC) login for secure access to directives․

Naval Logistics Library Resources
COMNAVAIRFOR and COMNAVSURFOR instructions, alongside vital Naval Supply Systems Command Directives and Instructions, are comprehensively housed within the Naval Logistics Library․ Access to this crucial repository of information is strictly controlled, necessitating a valid Common Access Card (CAC) for login authentication․ This security measure ensures that only authorized personnel can review and utilize these sensitive operational documents․
The Naval Logistics Library serves as a central hub for all naval directives, providing a standardized and easily searchable platform․ Users can efficiently locate specific instructions related to maintenance procedures, navigational regulations, and a wide range of other critical naval operations․ Regular updates and revisions are promptly reflected within the library, guaranteeing access to the most current guidance․

Access Requirements (CAC Login)
Accessing the Naval Logistics Library, the primary source for COMNAVAIRFOR and COMNAVSURFOR instructions, mandates a valid Common Access Card (CAC)․ This stringent requirement ensures information security and restricts access to authorized personnel only․ The CAC serves as a digital certificate, verifying the user’s identity and affiliation with the Department of the Navy․
Without a properly functioning CAC and associated digital certificates, users will be unable to navigate the library’s resources or download essential directives․ Ensure your CAC is properly inserted into a card reader and that your browser recognizes the certificate․ Troubleshooting assistance is available through your local IT support channels if login issues persist, guaranteeing continued access to vital operational guidance․
Naval Supply Systems Command Directives
Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) directives are integral to understanding the logistical framework supporting COMNAVAIRFOR instructions․ These directives detail policies concerning supply chain management, material readiness, and financial procedures impacting naval aviation maintenance and operations․ Access to these resources, found within the Naval Logistics Library, is crucial for personnel responsible for procurement, inventory control, and resource allocation․
NAVSUP directives complement COMNAVAIRFOR instructions by providing the ‘how-to’ guidance for implementing broader policies․ They cover areas like spare parts ordering, maintenance tool management, and funding protocols, ensuring efficient support for fleet readiness․ A CAC login is required to access these vital documents, reinforcing security protocols․
Research Guides at Naval Postgraduate School (NPS)
Naval Postgraduate School’s (NPS) Dudley Knox Library (DKL) offers extensive research guides to locate COMNAVAIRFOR and COMNAVSURFOR instructions․ These guides are invaluable resources for students, researchers, and naval personnel seeking comprehensive information on naval aviation policies and procedures․ The DKL provides curated access to a vast collection of documents, streamlining the research process and ensuring access to authoritative sources․
NPS research guides facilitate efficient searches, offering specific keywords and access points to relevant directives․ They highlight the library’s holdings and provide guidance on utilizing online databases․ This support is critical for understanding the complex regulatory landscape governing naval operations and maintenance․
Dudley Knox Library (DKL) Resources
The Dudley Knox Library (DKL) at the Naval Postgraduate School serves as a central repository for COMNAVAIRFOR and COMNAVSURFOR instructions․ Its resources encompass both physical and digital collections, providing researchers with diverse access options․ The DKL’s catalog allows for targeted searches using instruction numbers, keywords, or subject matter, facilitating efficient retrieval of relevant documents․
Furthermore, the DKL offers expert librarian assistance to navigate complex research queries․ They provide guidance on utilizing specialized databases and accessing restricted materials․ This support ensures researchers can effectively locate and interpret critical naval directives, contributing to informed decision-making and operational effectiveness․
Locating COMNAVAIRFOR and COMNAVSURFOR Instructions
Finding COMNAVAIRFOR and COMNAVSURFOR instructions requires utilizing specific resources․ The Naval Logistics Library is a primary source, though a Common Access Card (CAC) login is mandatory for access․ Researchers can also leverage the resources available at the Dudley Knox Library (DKL) within the Naval Postgraduate School․ The DKL provides both physical copies and digital access to these vital directives․
Effective searching involves utilizing instruction numbers or relevant keywords․ Both the Naval Logistics Library and DKL catalogs support these search methods, streamlining the process of locating specific guidance․ Consistent updates ensure the availability of current versions․

Understanding the Scope of COMNAVAIRFOR Instructions

COMNAVAIRFOR instructions encompass all maintenance levels, defining responsibilities and policies for naval aviation, aligning with broader Navy directives and regulations․
Levels of Maintenance Covered
COMNAVAIRFOR instructions meticulously address policies applicable across all levels of maintenance within naval aviation․ This comprehensive coverage extends from organizational-level maintenance, focusing on routine checks and minor repairs, through intermediate-level maintenance involving more complex component overhaul, and ultimately to depot-level maintenance, encompassing complete aircraft rebuilds and major modifications․
The instructions clearly define responsibilities for each maintenance level, ensuring a standardized approach to aircraft upkeep and maximizing operational availability․ These directives guarantee consistent application of procedures, bolstering safety and extending the service life of valuable naval assets․ Adherence to these guidelines is paramount for maintaining a combat-ready fleet․
Policies at All Maintenance Levels
COMNAVAIRFOR instructions establish uniform policies governing maintenance actions regardless of the level—organizational, intermediate, or depot․ These policies encompass preventative maintenance schedules, corrective action procedures, and quality control standards․ Strict adherence to these guidelines ensures consistent aircraft reliability and safety throughout naval aviation․
Detailed procedures cover everything from routine inspections to complex component overhauls, emphasizing meticulous documentation and adherence to approved technical data․ The instructions mandate standardized troubleshooting techniques and the use of calibrated equipment, guaranteeing accurate diagnoses and effective repairs․ These policies are vital for sustaining fleet readiness․
Responsibilities Defined within Instructions

COMNAVAIRFOR instructions meticulously delineate responsibilities for all personnel involved in naval aviation maintenance․ These instructions clearly define the accountabilities of maintenance officers, leading petty officers, and individual technicians at each maintenance level․ They specify who is authorized to perform specific tasks, approve maintenance actions, and ensure compliance with safety regulations․
Furthermore, the instructions outline the chain of command for reporting discrepancies, requesting support, and escalating issues․ This clarity minimizes confusion and promotes accountability, fostering a culture of proactive maintenance and continuous improvement․ Properly defined roles are essential for efficient operations and maintaining airworthiness․
Relationship to Other Navy Directives
COMNAVAIRFOR instructions don’t operate in isolation; they are intrinsically linked to broader Navy directives․ OPNAVINST 3120․32 (Series) provides overarching guidance for Navy-wide maintenance programs, forming the foundational framework upon which COMNAVAIRFOR instructions build specific aviation-related policies․ Similarly, U․S; Navy Regulations establish fundamental principles of conduct and accountability that apply to all naval personnel, including those executing COMNAVAIRFOR directed maintenance․
These relationships ensure consistency and prevent conflicting guidance․ COMNAVAIRFOR instructions supplement and refine these higher-level directives, tailoring them to the unique demands of naval aviation, ultimately supporting fleet readiness․
OPNAVINST 3120․32 (Series)
OPNAVINST 3120․32 (Series) serves as the cornerstone for Navy maintenance management, establishing a comprehensive framework for all maintenance activities across the fleet․ This instruction outlines core principles, responsibilities, and procedures applicable to all levels of maintenance, from organizational to depot level․ COMNAVAIRFOR instructions, specifically COMNAVAIRFORINST 4790․2A, directly align with and expand upon the guidance provided within OPNAVINST 3120․32․
It defines the Navy’s overall maintenance philosophy, emphasizing preventative maintenance, reliability-centered maintenance, and continuous improvement, ensuring a safe and effective fleet․
U․S․ Navy Regulations
U․S․ Navy Regulations establish the fundamental governing principles for all naval personnel and operations, providing the overarching legal and administrative basis for conduct within the Navy․ COMNAVAIRFOR instructions, while specific to naval aviation, must always operate within the boundaries defined by these regulations․ They dictate standards of behavior, accountability, and adherence to the law, influencing how COMNAVAIRFOR policies are implemented and enforced․
These regulations cover a broad spectrum of topics, including military justice, personnel management, and operational procedures, ensuring a disciplined and lawful environment․