Throughout its history, the Navy has recognized its responsibility to provide for religious ministries to meet the needs and rights of its personnel. From the very beginnings of naval service, the Navy adopted a policy that would ensure that "Commanders of ships of the thirteen United Colonies, are to take care that divine services be performed" (U.S. Navy Regulations, adopted 28 November, 1775). This obligation makes possible the practice of religion and guarantees that citizens serving in the naval service are not deprived of opportunities for the free exercise of religion.

Commanders and commanding officers have provided programs of ministry in support of the free exercise of religion. They have supported and managed the Command Religious Program as an integral and essential element of their administration, planning, programming, and budgeting for religious activities.

Navy chaplains appointed to the Chaplain Corps develop and execute the Command Religious Program under the direction of their commanding officers. This fosters high morale, develops and strengthens the moral and spiritual well-being of the personnel in each command, and ensures that chaplains are provided the necessary support to carry out their mission.

Professionally qualified clergy, certified and endorsed by theirs denominations, carry out this vital ministry. This team of highly skilled men and women reaches out to people in the name of God.

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