Navy Uic Code List |work| May 2026
The Navy Unit Identification Code (UIC) is the foundational data element of the United States Navy's administrative and logistical framework. Far from being a mere serial number, the UIC is a unique six-character alphanumeric identifier that allows the Department of Defense (DoD) to track every command, activity, and vessel with absolute precision
. By standardizing how units are identified, the Navy ensures that personnel assignments, financial accounting, and operational readiness are integrated into a single, searchable system. Structure and Composition
The structure of a UIC is designed to communicate specific information about the unit's nature and parentage. Service Designator:
The first character of a six-digit UIC indicates the branch of service. For the Navy, this character is always Unique Identity:
The middle characters provide a unique identifier for the specific entity, such as a ship or a shore station. Hierarchical Designator:
The final characters often indicate the unit's position within a hierarchy, distinguishing between a "parent" command and its "subordinate" or derivative units. For instance, a parent command might use a specific suffix that its smaller detachments do not share, allowing the Navy to roll up data from multiple small units into a single major command. Functional Importance The primary utility of the UIC list is its role in the Standard Navy Distribution List (SNDL) and various administrative systems. NAVY PAY AND PERSONNEL SUPPORT CENTER OPS ALERT
Searching for a Navy Unit Identification Code (UIC) typically requires access to official Department of Defense (DoD) portals, though some public address lists are available. A UIC is a unique six-character alphanumeric code used to identify DoD entities for manpower, readiness, and financial reporting. Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) (.mil) Official Lookup Methods (CAC Required)
The most accurate and up-to-date UIC lists are found within secure Navy systems: NSIPS (Navy Standard Integrated Personnel System) : Log in and navigate to
Main Menu > Unit Administration > Use > Admin UIC Information
. You can search by UIC in the department field and view command addresses and telephone information. MyNavy Assignment (MNA)
: You can select a UIC from the dropdown menus to pull up a summary of command information. PRIMS (Physical Readiness Information Management System)
: Search by UIC to view specific command and CFL information. RFMT (Reserve Force Manpower Tools) : Accessible via the MyNavy Portal quick links for reserve unit orders and history. MyNavyHR (.mil) Publicly Accessible Address & UIC Lists For users without CAC access, the Department of the Navy (DON) Issuances
website provides downloadable address lists and organization charts: Standard Navy Distribution List (SNDL)
: The most comprehensive public resource for Navy command addresses and associated UICs. SNDL Index of Codes (updated regularly, current version dated April 2026). SECNAV and CNO Shore & Fleet Address List (Excel download). Administrative Organization Charts
: These PDF documents list UICs within their echelon chain of command: Operating Forces of the U.S. Navy Shore Commands under SECNAV/CNO secnav.navy.mil Sample Unit Identification Codes
Department of Defense Activity Address Directory (DoDAAD) - DLA
A Unit Identification Code (UIC) is a unique, six-character alphanumeric code used by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to identify specific organizational entities. For the U.S. Navy, these codes are critical for manpower, personnel, and fiscal management. Structure of a Navy UIC
While standard DoD UICs are six characters, the Navy traditionally uses a five-digit internal code preceded by a Service Designator. navy uic code list
Service Designator: The first character identifies the branch. For the Navy, this is "N".
Unique Identifier: The following five characters uniquely identify the specific command, ship, or activity (e.g., N00011 for the Chief of Naval Operations).
Related Codes: Navy shore activities use "N," while vessels or mobile units in the Pacific may use "R" and those elsewhere may use "V" for certain logistics purposes. Where to Find and Verify UICs
There is no single, publicly updated "master list" available for download due to operational security, but personnel can verify UICs through several official channels:
The Navy Unit Identification Code (UIC) is a unique six-character alphanumeric identifier used by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to track and categorize every Navy entity, including ships, aircraft squadrons, and shore-based commands. Primarily used for manpower reporting, fiscal accounting, and personnel assignments, the Navy UIC serves as the "Social Security number" for military units. Understanding Navy UIC Code Structure
Each Navy UIC follows a standardized structure that allows systems to identify the service branch and specific unit type at a glance.
Service Designator: For the U.S. Navy, the first character is almost always "N".
Unit Identifier: The subsequent five characters (or four in legacy 5-digit systems) uniquely identify the specific command.
Fiscal and Administrative Use: These codes are vital for the Navy Comptroller to track funding, equipment, and personnel distributed across the fleet. Common Navy UIC Code Examples
The Navy maintains a massive list of codes ranging from the highest echelons of command down to individual small boats. Command Type Example Command High Command Chief of Naval Operations Aircraft Carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) Guided Missile Cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64) Destroyer USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) Special Warfare SEAL Team 4 Shore Activity Naval Air Warfare Center Training Sys Div How to Find and Verify Navy UIC Codes
While some UIC lists are classified for operational security, service members can find specific codes through several official channels:
Standard Navy Distribution List (SNDL): The most comprehensive source for current command administrative structures and their associated UICs.
NSIPS Unit Administration: Personnel with access to the Navy Standard Integrated Personnel System (NSIPS) can search for a command's UIC and its associated address and telephone information.
MyNavyHR Portals: Sailors can often find UIC information related to promotion billets or MAP quotas on official HR documents.
PRIMS: The Physical Readiness Information Management System allows users to search for command information by entering a specific UIC. Importance in Career Management
For Navy personnel, the UIC is essential for tracking their official duty station. When a Sailor receives orders, those orders specify a "gaining UIC" where they must report. Discrepancies in UIC reporting can lead to pay delays or incorrect information on a Service School Command record.
Department of Defense Activity Address Directory (DoDAAD) - DLA The Navy Unit Identification Code (UIC) is the
A Navy Unit Identification Code (UIC) is a five-digit numeric code (preceded by an "N" for Navy-specific systems) that uniquely identifies a command, ship, or organization for personnel, fiscal, and administrative purposes.
The primary official resource for searching UICs is the Standard Navy Distribution List (SNDL), which is often maintained as an Excel directory or PDF by the Department of the Navy Issuances (DONI). Common Navy UIC Examples
While there is no single static "text" list since UICs are updated as units commission or decommission, here are examples of high-level command UICs: Chief of Naval Operations (CNO): 00011 Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED): 00018 Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA): 00024 Navy Reserve Force: 00072 Naval Special Warfare Command (WARCOM): 00074 U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFLTFORCOM): 00060 Ship UIC Examples
Ship UICs are frequently used for billet assignments and payroll: USS Gettysburg (CG 64): 21624 USS Chosin (CG 65): 21625 USS Eisenhower (CVN 69): 03369 USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78): 23173 How to Look Up Specific UICs
If you are looking for a specific unit not listed above, you can use these internal military systems:
NSIPS: Personnel and admin professionals can navigate to Main Menu > Unit Administration > Use > Admin UIC Information to verify addresses and command details.
PRIMS: Fitness coordinators (CFLs) can search command information by typing a specific UIC into the Physical Readiness Information Management System (PRIMS).
MyNavy HR Billet Lists: The MyNavy HR Billet Based Advancement pages often release PDFs containing current UICs for open billets.
Unit Identification Code (UIC) is a five-digit alphanumeric string used by the U.S. Navy to identify specific ships, aircraft squadrons, shore commands, and other functional entities. It serves as the primary "address" for personnel assignments, financial accounting, and logistics. 1. How to Read a UIC
While some UICs appear random, they generally follow a structure based on the command's parent organization: Characters 1-2
: Often denote the service branch or a high-level command category (e.g., "N" for Navy). Characters 3-5 : Identify the specific unit or sub-activity.
traditionally refers to the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO). 2. Where to Find Official UIC Lists
Because UICs change as units are commissioned, decommissioned, or reorganized, there is no single permanent PDF. You can access the most current data through these official portals: DRRS-N (Defense Readiness Reporting System - Navy):
The primary database for command readiness and identification. NAVSO P-1000:
The Navy Budget Guidance Manual often contains tables for budget-submitting office (BSO) codes linked to UICs. FLTMPS (Fleet Management and Planning System):
Used by administrators to track manning and unit assignments. Standard Navy Distribution List (SNDL):
While largely digitized now, the SNDL remains the formal registry of all Navy activities and their associated UICs. 3. Common Uses for UICs Personnel (BUPERS): Common structure and content
Your orders will list a "Gaining UIC" to tell you exactly which command you are reporting to. Supply & Finance: UICs are used in Line of Accounting (LOA)
strings to ensure the correct unit is billed for equipment or travel.
In many overseas or fleet environments, the UIC helps route official mail through the Military Post Office (MPO). 4. How to Search for a Specific Code
If you have a code and need to find the unit name (or vice versa): Check your LES (Leave and Earnings Statement): Your current UIC is listed in the top section. Use the Navy Personnel Command (NPC) Portal:
Search the "Command Information" sections if you have CAC access. Unofficial Databases: Sites like HullNumber.com
or various veteran registries maintain historical lists of ship UICs, though these should be verified against official orders. 5. Security Note
While many UICs are unclassified, lists that aggregate UICs with specific locations, current readiness levels, or personnel counts may be restricted to FOUO (For Official Use Only)
Common structure and content
- Six characters (letters and/or digits).
- Assigned and maintained by the Department of the Navy (for Navy/Marine Corps elements) and other DoD components.
- Each UIC maps to metadata such as unit name, command, mission type, geographic location, parent command, and accounting activity.
Finding a UIC — practical approaches
- Official Navy directories: Personnel and logistics offices maintain authoritative UIC rosters for their commands. Command administration is the primary source.
- Administrative documents: Orders, travel vouchers, and pay statements usually show the UIC for the unit involved.
- Public sources: Some UICs appear in publicly available records (commissioning documents, DoD publications, FOIA-released material), but there’s no single public “master list” open to all for operational security.
- Ask your admin or resources person: For sailors and civilian staff, the command admin, S-1 (or PSD) or supply office will provide the correct UIC for forms and submissions.
3. Structure of a UIC
The six characters follow a logical pattern:
| Position | Type | Meaning | Example |
|----------|------|---------|---------|
| 1 | Letter | Navy or Marine Corps indicator (N = Navy, M = Marine Corps) | N |
| 2 | Letter | Major claimant/type command (e.g., A = Atlantic Fleet, P = Pacific Fleet, 4 = NAVSEA) | 4 |
| 3 | Letter/Numeric | Specific command or system | 2 |
| 4-6 | Alphanumeric | Unique unit sequence | 220 |
Examples decoded:
N42220– Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) unit.N00014– Office of Naval Research (ONR).M00264– Marine Corps Systems Command.
Note: Leading zeros (e.g.,
N00123) are common, making the UIC case-sensitive in databases.
What is a UIC?
A Unit Identification Code (UIC) is a six-character, alphanumeric code assigned to every specific entity within the Navy and the broader Department of Defense (DoD). Think of it as a Social Security number for a command.
While a ship is a massive physical asset, the "command" aboard that ship is an administrative entity that requires funding, manpower, and supplies. The UIC is the tag that ensures the right people get paid, the right parts are delivered, and the right command is held accountable for its budget.
3. How to Find a Specific UIC
Since the master list is not public, use these methods to find the code you need:
A. NAVMAC (Naval Military Personnel Command) / NSIPS If you are active duty or a reservist, your UIC is listed on your NSIPS (Navy Standard Integrated Personnel System) record or your PSR (Personnel Summary Report). It identifies the command to which you are assigned.
B. DANFS (Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships) If you are looking for a ship's UIC, historical records sites often archive them. Sites like NavSource or DANFS often list the administrative history of a ship, including its UIC.
C. SAM.gov (System for Award Management) If the unit is a contracting activity or has a Federal Credit Union, it often appears in the SAM.gov database. You can search by unit name to find the UIC (listed under "Entity Information").
D. LogSAT / DOD 4140 For supply and logistics purposes, UICs are used in the DOD 4140 (Material Management) manuals. While the manuals are public, the specific lists are often redacted in public releases.
7. Key Takeaways
- The Navy UIC Code List is a critical but restricted reference used daily by personnel, finance, and logistics communities.
- The six-character structure (
NorMplus five alphanumeric) encodes major command and unit type. - Full lists are not publicly available but accessible via CAC-enabled DoD systems (NSIPS, ERP, DJMS).
- For historical or unclassified UIC lookups (e.g., decommissioned units), the Naval History and Heritage Command may assist, but real-time UIC validation requires official system access.
Decoding the Structure: The 6-Character Format
At first glance, a UIC looks random (e.g., N00014 or 3110A). However, it follows a logical pattern. The code is divided into two parts: the first character (Navy identifier) and the next five characters (specific unit ID).
Position 1: The Branch & Status Indicator
- N (e.g., N00014): Active Navy – Used for operational ships, squadrons, and active-duty shore commands.
- R (e.g., R00001): Reserve Navy – Used for Navy Reserve units, including Selected Reserve (SELRES) billets.
- 0 (Zero) or 1-9: These often denote non-appropriated fund activities, legacy units, or temporary administrative commands.

