U.S. Naval Activities, United Kingdom facts for kids

Commander, U.S. Naval Activities, United Kingdom (COMNAVACTUK) was an important part of the U.S. Navy in Europe. It was like a main office that helped manage other Navy groups in the United Kingdom and parts of Northern Europe. Until 2007, COMNAVACTUK reported to the Commander in Chief, U.S. Naval Forces, Europe.

COMNAVACTUK was in charge of several key Navy activities in the region, including:

• The U.S. Naval Air Facility at RAF Mildenhall
• The U.S. Navy Exchange at RAF West Ruislip (a store for Navy families)
• U.S. Naval Medical Clinics across the United Kingdom
• The U.S. Marine Corps Security Force Company in London

What Was COMNAVACTUK?

COMNAVACTUK was a special command that helped coordinate and support various U.S. Navy operations and personnel in the United Kingdom. Think of it as a central hub that made sure everything ran smoothly for Navy families and operations in the area. It was an "echelon three" command, meaning it was a significant level of leadership within the Navy's structure.

How Did COMNAVACTUK Start?

The story of COMNAVACTUK began in 1951. At that time, the Chief of Naval Operations decided to combine two existing Navy offices: U.S. Naval Activities in London and U.S. Naval Facility, London. Before this, a larger command called the Headquarters Command, Commander in Chief, Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean (CINCNELM) handled these tasks. Many of the people who worked for CINCNELM moved to the new combined command.

In 1958, the U.S. Naval Facility, London, changed its name to the U.S. Naval Support Activity, London. As the Navy grew and set up more activities in the United Kingdom and Northwestern Europe, the Secretary of the Navy gave the command its current name: U.S. Naval Activities, United Kingdom (NAVACTUK).

In August 1965, the U.S. Naval Support Activities, London, was officially closed down. Its duties were then given to COMNAVACTUK. This brought the support activities and the older facility under one single command, making it more organized.

When Did COMNAVACTUK End?

COMNAVACTUK served the U.S. Navy for many years. However, on September 14, 2007, the command was officially disbanded. This happened at RAF Daws Hill, marking the end of its operations.