At base level, what is the responsibility of the wing/installation commander?

The wing/installation commander is primarily responsible for ensuring that the installation effectively supports deployment operations. This includes managing resources, facilitating logistics, and overseeing the readiness of units to respond to deployment orders. The commander must ensure that all operations align with the broader mission of the Air Force and that their installation is prepared to execute deployment tasks efficiently.

By focusing on deployment operations, the commander plays a critical role in maintaining the operational readiness of the forces under their command. This includes coordinating with various units, ensuring that personnel and equipment are ready for movement, and securing the necessary infrastructure and resources to facilitate timely and effective deployment.

In contrast, the other responsibilities listed involve different aspects of command and support. Drafting OPLANS for presidential approval is typically done at a higher command level involving strategic planning, making it unsuitable for the direct responsibility of a base-level commander. Issuing estimates to combatant commanders also falls under strategic and operational planning, which may be more relevant to higher echelon leadership. Maintaining oversight of air terminal operations is a more specialized task that, while critical, is not the overarching responsibility of the wing/installation commander, who has a broader scope of duties aimed at overall operational readiness and support.