Which command executes the U.S. European Command mission with forward-based air power?

The U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) is specifically tasked with executing the U.S. European Command mission through the use of forward-based air power. As a major command, USAFE is responsible for all U.S. Air Force operations in Europe and parts of Asia, focusing on use of bases, assets, and personnel in those regions to fulfill a variety of missions, including deterring aggression and responding to crises.

USAFE operates within the framework of U.S. European Command, meaning it plays a critical role in ensuring that air power is available and effective in Europe. The command is designed to enhance regional security and stability and supports NATO operations and partnerships, reflecting its primary purpose in the context of European security.

This distinct mission differentiates USAFE from other commands. For instance, the United States Air Force (USAF) is a broader branch that encompasses all Air Force functions without being limited to a specific regional command. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) focuses on special operations forces and atypical missions rather than broader air power needs in Europe, and Air Combat Command (ACC) provides combat-ready forces but does not specifically target European operations in the same way as USAFE does. Thus, the specificity of USAFE's mission