United States Navy Bureau System - Before The Bureaus

Before The Bureaus

For the first several decades of the Navy Department's existence, all procurement and material matters were handled directly by the Office of the Secretary of the Navy. As the Navy expanded during the War of 1812, it became clear that this system was not sufficient for the Service's needs.

On February 7, 1815, Congress established a three-member Board of Naval Commissioners to handle material-support matters. As part of the Navy Secretary's office, the Board's jurisdiction generally extended only logistical matters such as supply and construction. The Secretary of the Navy remained in control of many operational aspects of the Navy.