It was reported from Norfolk, Virginia, on 4 May that Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral John Richardson, had announced that day the establishment of US 2nd Fleet during a change of command ceremony for US Fleet Forces Command (USFF) in Norfolk.

Second Fleet will exercise operational and administrative authorities over assigned ships, aircraft and landing forces on the East Coast and northern Atlantic Ocean. Additionally, it will plan and conduct maritime, joint and combined operations and will train, certify and provide maritime forces to respond to global contingencies. Commander, 2nd Fleet will report to USFF.