Historically, each region was a part of one or other United States naval districts from their inception in the early 1900s until their disestablishment in the late 1970s and 1980s.
At that point, individual installations were typically operated independent of any true centralized command structure.
In 1998, the Navy embarked on a new era in shore management, with San Diego leading the way.
As the Navy reduced its operational forces, it became essential for the shore establishment supporting those forces to be realigned.

As part of the new command structure, each naval installation or supported command now reports to one of eleven regional commanders who are responsible for the operation and management of the installations within their regional jurisdiction.
Each regional commander is a one-star Rear Admiral (RDML) with the exception of the Commanders of Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, Navy Region Japan and Navy Region EURAFSWA, who can be two-star Rear Admiral (upper half) (RADM).
Historically, each region was a part of one or other United States naval districts from their inception in the early 1900s until their disestablishment in the late 1970s and 1980s. At that point, individual installations were typically operated independent of any true centralized command structure. In 1998, the Navy embarked on a new era in shore management, with San Diego leading the way. As the Navy reduced its operational forces, it became essential for the shore establishment supporting those forces to be realigned.
As part of the new command structure, each naval installation or supported command now reports to one of eleven regional commanders who are responsible for the operation and management of the installations within their regional jurisdiction. Each regional commander is a one-star Rear Admiral (RDML) with the exception of the Commanders of Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, Navy Region Japan and Navy Region EURAFSWA, who can be two-star Rear Admiral (upper half) (RADM).
Commander, Navy Installations Command