The implementation of the broad plans developed by DCNO (Air) next fall to the Bureau level.

The broad functions of the seven Bureaus of the Navy Department are presented in the chart in figure 18, where it may be seen that the functions of each of the bureaus affect aviation in varying degrees. For example, BuMed is concerned with Aviation Medicine and Flight Surgery; BuShips has joint responsibility with BuAer for the operation of aircraft carriers; BuPers has cognizance over aviation personnel; BuDocks has joint responsibility with BuAer for the construction of air bases, and BuOrd has cognizance over aircraft armament. However, the functions of two of the Bureaus so vitally affect Naval Aviation as to warrant their consideration as components of the NavAer organization. These are the Bureau of Aeronautics and the Bureau of Supplies and Accounts.

THE BUREAU OF AERONAUTICS

The major functions of the Bureau of Aeronautics may be grouped into four broad fields-design, procurement, production, and maintenance.

1. DESIGN AND RESEARCH. BuAer makes recommendations to CNO as to the technical characteristics and limitations of naval aircraft, naval aviation equipment, and manufacturing sources in the formulation of operating plans. BuAer conducts research, makes tests, and participates with other government agencies and with industry in the design, development, and improvement of such aircraft equipment. Notice that the scope of design and research covers all naval aviation-not only are complete aircraft included, but also all aircraft equipment and material.

2. PROCUREMENT. BuAer's duties in the field of procurement are limited to complete naval aircraft and certain aviation equipment of a technical, specialized nature. This is because BuAer has delegated authority

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for the procurement and distribution of aeronautical material in general to the Aviation Supply Officer.

BuAer procures and distributes complete aircraft in Classes 90 and 80, and engines in Class 84. It includes in its contracts involving complete aircraft such quantities of items in Classes 82, 83, 84, 86, 91, 92, and 94 as recommended by ASO, to whom procurement and distribution authority for these latter classes has been delegated.

Mention should be made here of the different fields of procurement responsibility between the Bureau of Aeronautics, the Bureau of Ordnance, the Aviation Supply Office, and the Ordnance Stock Office for aviation armament material.

In the Navy Supply System, BuOrd through the Ordnance Stock Office, initiates procurement and controls distribution of the items of Aviation Ordnance equipment for Class 94. BuOrd formerly handled its own inventory control for this material. Certain items of Aviation Ordnance, however, have been transferred to the cognizance of BuAer and, by delegation, to ASO.

Instruction for the procurement of this material are contained in the BuOrd Manual and in BuOrd Circular Letters. Distribution is accomplished through normal Aviation Supply distribution channels in accordance with BuOrd instructions.

Once OSO is fully operating under the Navy Supply System as intended, however, all Aviation Ordnance material will be handled by the Ordnance Stock Office. At the present time, Aviation Ordnance Material transferred to ASO's cognizance may be identified by the "R" preceding the class number. If "J" precedes it, such material is BuOrd controlled.

3. PRODUCTION. The third major function of BuAer is scheduling the production of aircraft. On the basis of requirements, BuAer schedules the production of naval aircraft and naval aviation equipment, and assists in the production of such material. This procedure assures

deliveries in the quantities of the qualities, and at the times specified.

4. MAINTENANCE. BuAer's fourth major function is to provide maintenance for Naval aircraft and aviation facilities.

In supervising the maintenance, service, repair, overhaul and salvage of Naval aircraft and equipment, BuAer has cognizance over all O & R activities in the Naval Aviation Establishment.

BuAer prescribes the standard O & R Department organization, allocates production schedules to each station, supervises the industrial layout, and offers technical assistance as needed. BuAer also lets contracts with aircraft manufacturers for performance of such repair and overhaul as cannot be economically or practically accomplished by Naval facilities. In connection with these contracts and those made in executing its procurement functions, BuAer carries out all legal work involved in the termination of its contract, the settlement of claims, and the disposition of property resulting from such terminations.

Since maintenance of aviation facilities is included within BuAer's cognizance, it collaborates with the Bureau of Yards and Docks in the design, construction, and alteration of all aeronautic shore establishments, in addition to maintaining and repairing them.

Utilizing statistical data prepared by ASO on the basis of its material usage data program, BuAer is responsible for publishing Allowance Lists which serve to effect more equitable distribution of material to activities dependent upon their requirements for future needs. BuAer and BuShips share a joint budgetary responsibility in providing allotments of appropriated funds for the maintenance and operation of aircraft carriers.

The general duties of the CHIEF OF THE BUREAU OF AERONAUTICS, in his capacity as a Naval Technical Assistant to SecNav, are listed in Article 1300-3 (b) of BuS&A Manual. As the head of BuAer, his specific duties

have been covered in our foregoing discussion. He is assisted by a personnel staff of an aide and several special assistants.

The DEPUTY AND ASSISTANT CHIEF of BuAer coordinates and supervises the activities of the staff divisions and assistant chiefs of the bureau, serves as executive officer of the bureau, and acts as principal advisor to the Chief of the Bureau on all matters of bureau policy. The EXECUTIVE OFFICE assists the Deputy Chief in coordinating bureau activities, maintaining proper distribution of workload, and other matters of a bureauwide nature. This includes legislative liaison, public information, organizational planning and review, and formulation of more efficient methods and procedures.

The OFFICE OF COUNSEL, in coordination with the General Counsel of the Navy Department, renders legal advice and services to BuAer on all aspects of the bureau's functions.

Several miscellaneous boards and committees aid the deputy and assistant Chief in maintaining liaison with offices and activities outside of BuAer, and in accomplishing other relatively minor functions. These include the British Admiralty delegation, Aeronautical Board, etc. Under the Deputy and Assistant Chief are are five divisions administered through the Executive Office. These divisions perform the following "common services" to the Bureau.

1. The MILITARY REQUIREMENTS DIVISION interprets service requirements, making recommendations relating to the military characteristics of current and projected aircraft and associated equipment. This division establishes general policy on classification of Naval aircraft and major aeronautical equipment with the advice of the chief of the bureau in each case.

2. The PLANS COORDINATION DIVISION coordinates the material planning activities of the bureau and develops such basic plans as are necessary to implement general planning directives from CÑO or other proper authority.