It is responsible for the operation and management of all Naval installations worldwide through eleven Navy regions.

Prior to the creation of CNIC, all of the Navy's major shore echelon II commanders (BUMED, NAVSEA, NAVSUP) operated their own installations independently.

These services include installation management and operations, such as port operations, airfields, security, utilities, land use planning, environmental aspects, planning and real estate, and emergency management, as well as fleet support services such as base housing, weapons storage, MWR (Morale, Welfare and Recreation) recreational programs, child care and youth programs.

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.