DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS
2000 NAVY PENTAGON
WASHINGTON DC 20350-2000
OPNAVINST 5218.7D
N41
18 Sep 2017
OPNAV INSTRUCTION 5218.7D
From: Chief of Naval Operations
Subj: NAVY OFFICIAL MAIL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Ref: (a) OPNAVINST 5112.6E
(b) DoD 4525.6-M, Department of Defense Postal Manual, 15 August 2002
(c) DoD Instruction 4525.08 of 11 August 2006
(d) DoD 4525.8-M, DoD Official Mail Manual, 26 December 2001
1. Purpose
a. To set forth policy for the responsibilities and management of official mail within the
Navy.
b. This instruction is a complete and substantial revision and should be read in its entirety.
Changes include removal of recommended commercial postal meter manufacturers and section
on security of postage stamps. Security of postage stamps is contained in references (a) and (b).
2. Cancellation. OPNAVINST 5218.7C.
3. Applicability and Scope. This instruction applies to all Navy activities involved with the
administration and operation of the official mail program. This instruction does not address
military postal service operations, which are covered in references (a) and (b).
4. Discussion. Reference (c) is the directive governing the Department of Defense (DoD)
Official Mail Program. The objective of the official mail program is to control cost through
effective use of the United States Postal Service (USPS), international mail, and other carriers.
As permitted by existing regulations, all items will be shipped by the most cost effective carrier
meeting delivery and security requirements.
5. Roles and Responsibilities
a. Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, Fleet Readiness and Logistics (CNO N4). CNO will
develop and issue official mail management policy.
b. Commander, Naval Supply Systems Command (COMNAVSUPSYSCOM)
(1) Act as the lead activity for the Navy official mail program including appointing and
training the Navy official mail manager (OMM).
