On 27th October, the [Belgian] Navy will redistribute command attributions and will implement a new organizational structure. This reorganization is intended to enhance the separation between management and operational functions. The decision-making process is unaffected : the Chief of the Naval Staff remains fully responsible for the use of all maritime assets.
In addition to the existing staff, he will be assisted in carrying out this mission by the Navy's new Operational Command, which will be responsible for implementation of decisions.
This new command structure will integrate the existing operational (ComOpsNav), logistic (ComLogNav) and training (ComINav) commands. Thus, a single commander assisted by ten subordinate commanders will be responsible for all tasks related to implementation of command decisions.
The "Naval Operational Command" will be designated by the bilingual term "ComOpsNav." This designation will also apply to its commander (known in English as AdmBeFleet). This new command will be headquartered at Zeebrugge.
Cooperative links to other forces and foreign navies will not be affected. ComOpsNav will continue to act as Admiral, Benelux, within the framework of the Belgian-Dutch joint naval command at Den Helder (Netherlands).
The new internal organization focuses on the fleet so as to maintain it to the highest operational readiness and to support its deployment for all existing missions. The starting point for this restructuring is the decision to maintain the Navy as a full-fledged partner in international and public service missions, as decided by the government.
The new organization will be officially inaugurated on 27th October during a ceremony at Zeebrugge.
