In terms of hierarchical structure, who does the Operations Officer report to?

The Operations Officer primarily focuses on the coordination and execution of operational planning and management within a naval unit. In the hierarchical structure of a naval command, the Operations Officer typically reports directly to the Executive Officer. However, the Executive Officer, being the second-in-command, reports to the Commanding Officer. Therefore, the Operations Officer indirectly supports the Commanding Officer’s directives and overall mission, making the Commanding Officer an essential figure in this reporting chain.

By considering this structure, the Operations Officer aligns operational priorities with the Commanding Officer's vision for the unit, ensuring that orders and strategic objectives are implemented effectively. This connection underscores the importance of the Operations Officer's role in the broader command process and mission execution.