DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS
2000 NAVY PENTAGON
WASHINGTON, DC 20350-2000
OPNAVINST 4440.19G
N4
5 May 2021
OPNAV INSTRUCTION 4440.19G
From: Chief of Naval Operations
Subj: POLICIES AND PRIORITY RULES FOR CANNIBALIZATION OF OPERATIONAL
EQUIPMENT AND DIVERSION OF MATERIAL AT CONTRACTOR PLANTS TO
MEET URGENT OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Ref: (a) SSPINST 4400.3G
(b) SECNAVINST 5200.43
(c) OPNAVINST 4614.1H
(d) OPNAVINST 4790.2J
Encl: (1) Required Cannibalization Report Data
1. Purpose. To issue uniform policies, procedures and responsibilities for collecting,
maintaining and reporting actions required to meet urgent operational requirements by:
a. Cannibalization of equipment which is in operational use or in storage within the supply
system or in inactive Fleet units.
b. Diversion of material at contractor’s plants intended for the new construction, depot
repair or overhaul of a ship or aircraft.
2. Cancellation. OPNAVINST 4440.19F.
3. Scope and Applicability. This instruction is Navywide in scope and applies to all equipment,
components, assemblies and items contained therein, as well as all organizations involved with
the operation and support of Navy and Marine Corps aircraft and Navy ships and submarines.
This instruction directs all levels of command to actively pursue appropriate courses to properly
manage cannibalizations and diversions. Requests for cannibalization of Strategic Weapon
System and Attack Weapon System material under design control of Director, Strategic Systems
Program will be processed per reference (a).
4. Definitions.
a. Cannibalization. The removal of serviceable material or components from installed
equipment on active or inactive units for installation in other equipment to restore the latter to an
operational condition.
