Navy Security Force
Stored: Navy Security Force
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Navy Security Force (NSF) is the collective security apparatus of the U.S. Navy, comprising approximately 11,000 personnel, primarily Master-at-Arms (MA) sailors, augmented by civilian guards and specialized units, tasked with securing over 70 installations, 150 ships, and naval assets globally under the oversight of the Chief of Naval Operations.
Mission
The Navy Security Force aims to safeguard Navy operations by delivering comprehensive security, enforcing laws under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), and protecting against terrorism and other threats. It integrates Master-at-Arms, civilian security personnel, and tactical teams to ensure the safety of sailors, ships, bases, and high-value assets like nuclear-powered vessels, supporting global mission readiness.
Parent organization
The NSF operates under the United States Navy, within the Department of the Navy, with policy and oversight from the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV) and execution through commands like Naval Installations Command (CNIC) and fleet units.
Legislation
The NSF was not established by specific legislation but evolved from early Navy security roles (e.g., 1797 lanthorn bearers), formalized through the Master-at-Arms rating in 1839, and structured under modern Navy regulations, with its current framework shaped by post-9/11 security needs.
Partners
- Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) for investigative support
- U.S. Coast Guard for maritime security collaboration
- Department of Defense Police for joint base operations
Number of employees
The NSF includes approximately 11,000 personnel as of 2025, per Navy estimates, with around 10,000 Master-at-Arms (active and reserve) and 1,000+ civilian security guards and augmentees, distributed across Navy installations and afloat units.
Organization structure
The NSF is a functional entity coordinated across Navy commands:
Leader
The Navy Security Force is overseen by the Director, Shore Operations and Antiterrorism/Force Protection (OPNAV N46), currently Rear Admiral Christopher C. French as of 2025, with operational leadership from CNIC and fleet commanders.
Divisions
The components include:
- Master-at-Arms (MA) for law enforcement and security (NEC 90MA).
- Civilian Security Forces for installation guarding.
- Specialized Units (e.g., K9, Security Reaction Teams, Harbor Security) for advanced operations.
List of programs
- Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection (ATFP) Program
- Military Working Dog (MWD) Program (700+ dogs)
- Harbor Security Operations
Last total enacted budget
The NSF’s budget is not separately detailed; it’s funded within the Navy’s FY 2024 budget of $202.5 billion, supporting personnel, training, and equipment (e.g., M110 rifles, patrol boats), with no specific NSF allocation published.
Staff
The NSF’s 11,000 personnel include 10,000 MAs (E-1 to E-9) trained at Lackland AFB’s “A” School, plus civilian guards and augmentees; specialties include K9 handlers (700+), Security Reaction Team (SRT) members, and harbor security sailors, integrated into fleet and shore commands.
Funding
Since its modern inception, the NSF has been funded through Navy appropriations under Title 10 U.S.C., with FY 2024’s $202.5 billion budget covering training, equipment upgrades (e.g., M110 rifles in 2025), and operational costs across its scope.
Services provided
The NSF secures 70+ installations and 150 ships, enforces UCMJ (e.g., brig operations), conducts ATFP training, protects ports with harbor security boats, and deploys specialized teams like K9 units (explosive detection) and SRTs (high-threat response), logging thousands of security actions yearly.
Regulations overseen
The NSF operates under SECNAVINST 5530.4E (Naval Security Program), governing physical security and ATFP, enforcing rather than creating regulations.
Headquarters address
701 South Courthouse Road, Arlington, VA 22204 (Navy Personnel Command)
History
Rooted in 1797’s lanthorn bearers, the NSF’s core—the Master-at-Arms—was formalized in 1839 by Commodore Isaac Chauncey. It expanded post-WWII into a structured rating (NEC 90MA by 1970s), grew significantly post-9/11 with ATFP and harbor security roles, and added K9 units (1942) and SRTs (2000s), adapting to modern threats with equipment like M110 rifles (2025).
Related
See Also Links to related programs articles or organizations:
