DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS
2000 NAVY PENTAGON
WASHINGTON DC 20350-2000
OPNAVINST 5450.344A
NAVSO/CNO N2N6
22 Aug 2018
OPNAV INSTRUCTION 5450.344A
From: Chief of Naval Operations
Subj: MISSIONS, FUNCTIONS AND TASKS OF COMMANDER, U.S. NAVAL FORCES
SOUTHERN COMMAND
Ref: (a) OPNAVINST 5400.44A
Encl: (1) Functions and Tasks of COMUSNAVSO
1. Purpose
a. To publish the functions and tasks of Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern
Command (COMUSNAVSO) under the authority of the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO).
b. Reference (a) requires echelon 2 commands to update their mission, functions and tasks
every 3 years. This update reflects only echelon 2 requirements for COMUSNAVSO, removes
echelon 3 tasks, adds Cooperative Security Location (CSL) Comalapa, El Salvador, as an
echelon 4, updates unit identification codes (UIC) of those activities that COMUSNAVSO
supports, and updates several tasks. This is a complete revision and should be reviewed in its
entirety.
2. Cancellation. OPNAVINST 5450.344.
3. Authorities. U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (USNAVSO) serves as the Navy
component command to U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM), responsible to CNO and
Commander, USSOUTHCOM for all Navy activities in the USSOUTHCOM area of
responsibility (AOR). All Navy commands desiring to conduct any business or operations in the
USSOUTHCOM AOR will coordinate and seek approval of their activities from
COMUSNAVSO.
4. Mission. USNAVSO supports USSOUTHCOM joint and combined full-spectrum military
operations by providing principally sea-based, forward presence to ensure freedom of maneuver
in the maritime domain, to foster and sustain cooperative relationships with international
partners, and to fully use the sea as maneuver space in order to enhance regional security and
promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions.
5. Status and Command Relationships. USNAVSO is a shore activity in an active and fully
operational status. The command operates as a single integrated headquarters sharing
operational and administrative support resources while preserving the echelon relationship.
