The Operational Test and Evaluation Force (OPTEVFOR) is an independent and objective agency within the United States Navy for the operational testing and evaluation (OT&E) of naval aviation, surface warfare, submarine warfare, C4I, cryptologic, and space systems in support Navy and Department of Defense acquisition programs.

OPTEVFOR traces its origins to the final months of World War II when the need arose for an effective means to combat Japanese kamikaze attacks.

On 2 July 1945, the Composite Task Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, was formed to develop tactics and evaluate equipment to counter the Kamikazes.

This force was commanded by Vice Admiral Willis A. Lee, USN, and consisted of miscellaneous types of combatant ships and drone aircraft.

In keeping with these expanded responsibilities, the Force Commander (COMOPTEVFOR) began reporting directly to the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO).

Warfighters, technology teams and testers under the flags of 10 nations and each of the U.S. military services came together at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. to stress test the IFF integrated suite and Aegis ballistic missile defense system Mode 5 in partnership with COMOPTEVFOR under 13 separate initiatives.

[3] JDAT assisted the COMOPTEVFOR with Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Mode 5 Level 1 Joint Operational Test Approach analysis to validate the interoperability of fielded combat systems and served as COMOPTEVFOR’s lead analysis organization, responsible for all reconstruction and coordination of issues with Service program offices, and producing a detail report of results for submission to DOT&E.

[5] It recommends that T&E requests for fleet commander support be made in writing, via CNO-OPNAV (N091/N912), nine (9) month prior to the actual testing activity.

[8] The C4I & Space Division responsible for the planning and execution of operational test and evaluation (OT&E) activities pertaining to the Navy's ashore and afloat command, control, communications, computer and intelligence (C4I) systems.