Which officer has control in emergencies when the aircraft is within the visual range?

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In emergencies with aircraft within visual range, control of flight operations rests with the officer responsible for the ship’s air operations. The Air Officer oversees all flight activity on the carrier and can issue immediate, direct instructions to pilots and deck crews to ensure safety and quick, coordinated actions. This centralized authority is essential when timing is critical and the aircraft are close enough to the ship to require swift, decisive direction.

The commanding officer holds overall command, but day-to-day and near-field flight ops are managed by the Air Officer, not by the ship’s executive authority alone. The Carrier Air Traffic Control Center handles airspace sequencing and coordination at a distance, while the Combat Direction Center focuses on battle and defensive responsibilities rather than direct flight deck control. These roles support operations but don’t provide the immediate, on-the-scene control needed during emergencies within visual range.