The CinC Atlantic Fleet and CinC Pacific Fleet function in both the administrative and operational commands. These second-echelon commanders have responsibility for the readiness of their forces, which includes maintenance and logistics as well as the assignment and training of their personnel. Each of the two Fleet Commanders-in-Chief has five subordinate "type" commanders who supervise specific categories of forces and activities: Naval Air Force, Naval Surface Force, Submarine Force, Training Command, and a Naval Construction Brigade. Type commanders primarily supervise personnel, training, logistics, maintenance, and other support to ships, aircraft, and units.
Commander Naval Surface Force (COMNAVSURFPAC/LANT) ensure surface ships of the Pacific and Atlantic Fleets are properly trained, maintained and crewed to support military operations.
Commander Submarine Force (COMSUBPAC/LANT) are the principal advisors to the Commander in Chief, US Pacific and Atlantic Fleet for submarine matters. The Submarine Force (SUBPAC and SUBLANT) includes attack, ballistic missile and auxiliary submarines, submarine tenders, floating submarine dry docks, deep submergence vehicles and submarine rescue vehicles The force provides anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, precision land strike, mine warfare, intelligence, surveillance and early warning and special warfare capabilities to the U.S. Pacific Fleet and strategic deterrence capabilities to the US Strategic Command.
Commander Naval Air Force (COMNAVAIR/LANT) are the principal advisors to the Commander in Chief, US Pacific and Atlantic Fleet for operation, support and administration of naval aviation. COMNAVAIR's primary mission is to train all Fleet naval air units to maximize operational readiness and combat efficiency for service with the numbered Fleets. All aircraft carriers, naval aircraft and aviation activities assigned to the Pacific and Atlantic Fleets are under the administrative control of COMNAVAIRPAC and COMNAVAIRLANT, respectively. The formation of Commander Air Pacific was a direct outgrowth of problems associated with the rapid expansion of the Navy and naval air forces during World War II, the requirements of supporting air combat units widely deployed in the Pacific Ocean area, and the increasing importance of aviation as an element of naval striking power. COMNAVAIRPAC was established effective 01 September 1942, on which date the offices of Commander Carriers, Pacific Fleet and Commander Patrol Wings, Pacific Fleet were abolished.
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