Which of the following is a Principal Warfare Commander?

• A. Screen Commander
• B. Underway Replenishment Commander
• C. Air and Missile Defense Coordinator
• D. Mine Warfare Commander

Answer: (C)

Coordinating defense against airborne and missile threats requires a single trusted authority to fuse sensor data, manage the battlespace, and assign engagements across the force. The Air and Missile Defense Coordinator is designated as the Principal Warfare Commander for air and missile defense, giving them the authority to direct all actions in this domain for the fleet. In a carrier strike group, this officer would oversee the radar picture from sensors like the primary air-detection systems, share crucial data with other ships and allied assets, decide which threats to engage, and allocate missiles and interceptors to counter those threats. The other roles focus on different warfare areas: a Screen Commander handles the protective surface screen, an Underway Replenishment Commander leads replenishment at sea, and a Mine Warfare Commander manages mine countermeasures. Because air and missile defense requires integrating multiple sensors and shooters across the force and making joint, timely decisions, the Air and Missile Defense Coordinator best fits the role of Principal Warfare Commander.