It was established on 1 April 1964 when the Admiralty was absorbed into a unified Ministry of Defence, where it became the Navy Department.

The new organisation included three ministers of state who headed and implemented policy within the Navy, Army and Air Departments.

Minister of Defence (Equipment) (1967–1970) responsible for managing research, development, production, procurement and sales.

During the previous six years there had been a shift to a more centralised Ministry of Defence and gradually moving accountability away from the single service departments.

During this period of transition the majority of directorates from the previous department remained under supervision of the First Sea Lord whilst others were distributed under the Defence Staff) (1964–1995)[12][13] that was later given a new organisational grouping name the "Central Staffs" (1996–2005)[14][15] In 2006 greater accountability and control over budgets, equipment and staffing led to the formation new organisational groups, Central Staffs became Central Top Level Budget (CTLB)[16] whilst Ministry of Defence (Navy) was renamed Fleet Top Level Budget.

Prior to 1967 the navy departments Parliamentary Under Secretary of State was deputy under the Minister of State at the time his roles establishment it was a continuation of the office of the Civil Lord of the Admiralty after 1967 his role was elevated and he became the chairman of the admiralty board.

Executive governance of the Navy Department was managed by several committees usually consisted of the above officials listed to the boards and offices they were appointed to.