Abstract: We will provide a summary of how new capabilities such as ocean models move from basic Research and Development to operational implementation under the guidance of the Navy's Administrative Modeling Oversight Panel (AMOP). This process will be demonstrated using the National Ocean Partnership Program (NOPP) sponsored HYCOM which is undergoing its final operational testing at the Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO) this year. The presentation will discuss how HYCOM responds to Navy requirements and illustrate the approach we are taking to assess its skills and weaknesses. Some of our evaluation tools and a few preliminary findings will be presented.