DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS
2000 NAVY PENTAGON
WASHINGTON, DC 20350-2000
OPNAVINST 4600.26B
N4
14 Jun 2021
OPNAV INSTRUCTION 4600.26B
From: Chief of Naval Operations
Subj: NAVY UNIT MOVE DEPLOYMENT SYSTEM AND LAST TACTICAL MILE
SYSTEM
1. Purpose.
a. To establish Navy policy regarding responsibilities and management for unit movement,
deployment and last tactical mile processes as well as management for the Sea Service
Deployment Module (SSDM) as the Navy’s mobility unit move deployment system of record.
b. This instruction is a complete revision and should be reviewed in its entirety. Changes
include identification of SSDM as the Navy’s unit move deployment system of record and to
establish management responsibilities for last tactical mile processes and tools. This instruction
is a complete revision and should be reviewed in its entirety.
2. Cancellation. OPNAVINST 4600.26A.
3. Scope and Applicability.
a. This instruction applies to all Navy activities that sponsor or control deploying units or
elements with personnel, supplies and equipment requiring deployment transportation via the
Defense Transportation System and that manage the distribution and in-transit visibility of fleet
freight to the final customer.
b. This instruction requires maximum use of automated information systems to speed the
exchange of data and the quality of data per Department of Defense (DoD) 4500.9-R, Defense
Transportation Regulation, part III, chapter 301, section B.
4. Background.
a. The processes of planning and executing a movement of forces and its associated table of
allowance equipment in response to exercise or contingency requirements is complex. As such,
the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps (USMC) and United States Coast Guard
collaborated with the United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) who developed
a deployment planning and execution system. SSDM is a tool to assist commanders in their
preparation for and execution of deployment, sustainment, redeployment and retrograde
