To fulfill the mission of preventing airborne attack against U.S. naval forces, Air Defense is responsible for which of the following?

The mission of preventing airborne attacks against U.S. naval forces is fundamentally centered around the detection and identification of potential threats. Air Defense’s primary responsibility involves ensuring that any enemy airborne platforms—such as aircraft, missiles, or drones—and their associated weapons systems are detected as early as possible. This enables timely defensive measures to be enacted, safeguarding naval assets and personnel.

Detecting these threats involves a combination of radar systems, reconnaissance, intelligence analysis, and surveillance operations. By efficiently identifying airborne threats, Air Defense can coordinate responses, alert onboard personnel, and facilitate an integrated defense strategy that may involve various platforms, such as surface ships, aircraft, and missile systems.

The other options, while relevant to broader naval operations, do not directly pertain to the specific mission of Air Defense in the context of preventing airborne attacks. Deploying naval forces, conducting exercises, and engaging in submarine operations are all important components of naval strategy but do not focus specifically on the detection and management of airborne threats. The core focus of Air Defense remains the vigilant monitoring and engagement with potential airborne adversaries.