DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS
2000 NAVY PENTAGON
WASHINGTON, DC 20350-2000
OPNAVINST 5000.39C
N133
8 Oct 2015
OPNAV INSTRUCTION 5000.39C
From: Chief of Naval Operations
Subj: CHANGE OR EXCHANGE OF COMMAND OF NUCLEAR POWERED SHIPS
Ref: (a) U.S. Navy Regulations, 1990
(b) E.O. 12344
(c) COMSUBFORINST 5400.34A
Encl: (1) Engineering Department Change of Command Inspection
List
1. Purpose. To establish the requirement that a description of
all significant deficiencies related to the propulsion plants of
naval nuclear powered ships be included in the report of all
changes or exchanges of command of these ships. This
instruction is being reissued with a new date, updated version
and signature authority to meet the Chief of Naval Operation’s
age requirement for Office of the Chief of Naval Operations
instructions.
2. Cancellation. OPNAVINST 5000.39B.
3. Background. Reference (a), article 0807 requires that upon
occasion of a change of command, an inspection and report of the
condition of the command must be made to the immediate superior
in command, with copies to the chain of command. Reports
containing unsatisfactory or adverse conditions must be
submitted to the Chief of Naval Operations, via the chain of
command, with a copy sent directly to the fleet commander
concerned. Reference (b) assigns the responsibility for
research, development, technical assistance, and all aspects of
reactor safety related to naval nuclear propulsion plants to the
Director, Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program (N00N).
4. Discussion. In recognition of the special procedures
required to ensure the health and safety of the crews and of the
general public, it is necessary that all deficiencies associated
with naval nuclear propulsion plants be identified and corrected
in a timely and responsible manner. Accordingly, it is
