 | This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. (May 2010) |
| Commander, Naval Air Forces and Commander, Naval Air Force Pacific | |
|---|---|
| CNAF (COMNAVAIRFOR) and CNAP (COMNAVAIRFORPAC) | |
 Insignia of the Commander, Naval Air Forces and Commander, Naval Air Force Pacific | |
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| Department of the Navy | |
| Type | Type Commander |
| Reports to | Chief of Naval Operations Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet |
| Seat | Naval Air Station North Island |
| Formation | CNAF – October 2001 CNAP – July 29, 1942 |
| First holder | Admiral John B. Nathman |
| Unofficial names | "Air Boss" |
| Deputy | Deputy Commander, Naval Air Forces |
| Website | https://www.airpac.navy.mil/ |
The Commander, Naval Air Forces (a.k.a. COMNAVAIRFOR, and CNAF; and dual-hatted as Commander, Naval Air Force, Pacific, and COMNAVAIRPAC) is the aviation Type Commander (TYCOM) for all United States Navy naval aviation units. Type Commanders are in Administrative Control (ADCON), and in some cases Operational Control (OPCON) of certain types of assets (ships, submarines, aircraft, and Fleet Marines) assigned to the Pacific and Atlantic Fleets. AIRFOR is responsible for the materiel readiness, administration, training, and inspection of units/squadrons under their command, and for providing operationally ready air squadrons and aircraft carriers to the fleet.
COMNAVAIRFOR is a three-star headquarters, based at NAS North Island in Coronado, California. The current commander is VADM Daniel Cheever. The staff is made up of about 515 officer, enlisted, civilian and contractor personnel. The position is colloquially known throughout the Navy as "the Air Boss", mimicking the nickname given to the officer who commands the air department on an aircraft carrier.