Navy Exchange Service Command

Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM)

The Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) enables warfighter readiness and strengthens the Navy quality of life mission by providing essential products, services and hospitality for military communities worldwide. NEXCOM is uniquely positioned to effectively sustain the Fleet and military families by leveraging their diverse business lines— Navy Exchange (NEX) military retail stores, Ship's Store Program, Uniform Program Management Office, Telecommunications Program Office, Navy Clothing & Textile Research Facility and the NEXCOM Hospitality Group, which supports PCS, TDY and leisure travel.

As further sustainment to Navy Warfighters and military families, 100% of the command’s earnings are directed to Navy quality of life programs, amounting to over $3.7 billion since 1946. NEXCOM’s enduring mission and lines of effort serve as a critical resource and a vital capability within the Naval Supply Systems Command Enterprise.

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History

The modern day NEX and ships stores shopped today are vastly different from the ones that originated over 200 years ago. NEXs have come a long way since the days when bumboats sold their wares to Sailors aboard naval vessels in the 1800s. Back then, Sailors had to depend on those unreliable boats to get their personal items while aboard ship. The bumboats, small vessels that pulled alongside U.S. Navy ships, exchanged merchandise for money by pails lowered over the side by the crew of the Navy ship.

The Navy Ships Store Office was established in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Apr. 1, 1946. This office was later renamed the Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) and relocated to Virginia Beach, Va., in 1993.