DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS
2000 NAVY PENTAGON
WASHINGTON, DC 20350-2000
OPNAVINST 5450.215E
DNS/BUMED-M00
14 Sep 2021
OPNAV INSTRUCTION 5450.215E
From: Chief of Naval Operations
Subj: MISSION, FUNCTIONS AND TASKS OF THE BUREAU OF MEDICINE AND
SURGERY
Ref: (a) OPNAVINST 5400.44A
Encl: (1) Bureau of Medicine and Surgery Functions and Tasks
1. Purpose. To publish the mission, functions and tasks of the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
(BUMED) per reference (a). This directive is completely revised and should be read in its
entirety. The changes in subparagraphs 1a through 1c have been implemented.
a. Revised mission statement.
b. Renamed and realigned budget submitting office (BSO) 18 activities.
c. Revised the functions and tasks of BUMED mission and organization.
2. Cancellation. OPNAVINST 5450.215D.
3. Scope and Applicability. The provisions of this instruction are applicable to all BSO-18
activities regardless of echelon under the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery.
4. Mission. Provide well-trained medical experts, operating as high performance teams to
project medial power in support of naval superiority.
5. Status and Command Relationships. BUMED is a shore activity in an active status. The
Surgeon General of the Navy serves as the Chief of BUMED. Pursuant to section 8072 of Title
10 U.S. Code, BUMED performs its duties under the authority of the Secretary of the Navy and
its orders are considered as coming from the Secretary. The duties of BUMED include issuing
policy and guidance on all medical and health related matters for the Navy and Marine Corps,
except for those matters reserved for the Surgeon General of the Navy pursuant to section 8077
of Title 10 U.S. Code (e.g. to recruit, organize, train and equip medical personnel of the Navy
and the Marine Corps). All BSO-18 activities, as assigned by the Chief of Naval Operations
(CNO) in adherence with policies and direction for the offices of the Secretary of the Navy, are
placed under the military command of the Chief, BUMED.
