Which component commander is responsible for air employment missions?

The component commander responsible for air employment missions is the Joint Force Air Component Commander (JFACC). This role is critical in a joint operation, as the JFACC is tasked with the responsibility of planning, coordinating, and executing air power within a joint campaign. They ensure that air capabilities are effectively integrated with the other components of the joint forces – land, sea, and special operations – to achieve the operational objectives established by the Joint Force Commander (JFC).

The JFACC is empowered to allocate air resources, prioritize air missions, and make decisions on the use of air assets, thereby directly influencing the success of air operations in achieving broader strategic goals. This role is central to maintaining air superiority and ensuring that air power is utilized optimally within the designated operational theater. It encapsulates the essence of air command and control in a joint environment, highlighting why the JFACC is the correct answer.