DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY CONTINUED OPERATIONS DURING A LAPSE IN APPROPRIATIONS

[Tony]

R 012243Z OCT 25
FM SECNAV WASHINGTON DC
TO ALNAV
INFO SECNAV WASHINGTON DC
CNO WASHINGTON DC
CMC WASHINGTON DC
BT
UNCLAS
ALNAV 073/25
MSIG/GENADMIN/SECNAV WASHINGTON DC/-/OCT//
SUBJ/DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY CONTINUED OPERATIONS DURING A
LAPSE IN APPROPRIATIONS//
REF/A/DOC/MEMORANDUM/30SEP2025//
AMPN/REF A IS SECRETARY OF THE NAVY MEMORANDUM, DELEGATION OF
AUTHORITY TO DETERMINE ACTIVITIES EXCEPTED IN THE ABSENCE OF
AVAILABLE FISCAL YEAR 2026 APPROPRIATIONS//
RMKS/1. This message provides guidance regarding Department
of the Navy (DON) operations during this lapse in
appropriations. While this situation presents challenges,
the DON remains committed to supporting our Sailors, Marines,
civilian employees and their families.
2. The DON will continue to meet its obligations regarding
the deployment of forces, safety of human life and protection
of property, as directed by statutes and Department of War
guidance. Exempted and excepted activities, including
critical maintenance and shipbuilding activities, remain
underway. Other activities must cease unless approved as an
exception by me or by an official to whom the Chief of Naval
Operations, the Commandant of the Marine Corps or I have
delegated the authority to issue such approvals, consistent
with reference (a).
3. Sailors and Marines ashore, afloat and forward give
America options no adversary can match. We will remain on
duty and continue to serve. Though a shutdown can affect pay
timing, schedules and daily life, we are committed to helping
you through it.
4. DON organizations and activities can find the latest
guidance, instructions and procedures regarding excepted
activities at: [https://flankspeed.sharepointmil.us/sites/RequestForExceptedActivitiesRFEA/SitePages/Home.
aspx. This site is accessible to anyone with a Common Access
Card. Commanders and Senior Enlisted Leaders, communicate
early and often. Be clear about duties, exemptions and
expectations. If something is unclear, elevate it fast.
5. Organizations and activities who believe their
requirements must not be delayed until appropriated funding
is restored should submit a Request for Excepted Activity
through the Request for Excepted Activities Tool, which can
be accessed at
[https://dod.teams.microsoft.us/l/team/19%3Adod%3Ab799b9fe0cfc
4878a13f1f0e18e9488b%40thread.tacv2/conversations?groupId=a4a
0930d-0c82-4757-8ea4-a12d06e1d483&tenantId=e3333e00-c877-
4b87-b6ad-45e942de1750. Submissions must be signed by a
sponsoring Flag/General Officer, Senior Executive Service
Member or equivalent. Use of the “Request for Excepted
Activities Tool” is the fastest method to submit a request
and receive a decision. However, should there be a problem
accessing the site, requests may be emailed to
NonDelApprovals@navy.mil. This method should only be used in
an emergency.
6. Guidance and information are also available on the Office
of Civilian Human Resources website,
[https://portal.secnav.navy.mil/orgs/MRA/DONHR/OCHRHQ/Pages/Fu
rlough.aspx.
7. Leaders, check on your people early and often. We are
teammates taking care of teammates. Command teams must
provide updates on timing and duty status. If you need
assistance, talk to your chain of command, your command’s
Ombudsman or Fleet and Family Support Centers. Use the
Department of the Navy Civilian Employee Assistance Program
or Military OneSource. These resources are built for moments
like this.
8. For additional information and resources, please visit
navy.mil and marines.mil.
9. Your commitment is our compass. Stay focused and stay
ready. This situation does not define your service. Your
service defines our strength. Our unity will carry us
through. Thank you for your dedication and service.
10. This message is automatically canceled once
appropriations have been restored either via a Continuing
Resolution or other budgetary process.
11. Released by the Honorable John C. Phelan, Secretary of
the Navy.//
___________________
John C. Phelan