Who reports directly to the commanding officer (CO) regarding weapons handling?

The correct answer is the Combat Systems Officer, as this role is primarily responsible for overseeing all activities related to weapons systems and their operations within a naval context. This officer is trained in the nuances of various weapon platforms, their capabilities, and their maintenance and readiness. Due to the critical nature of weapons handling — which encompasses the safe, secure, and effective use of naval weapon systems — the Combat Systems Officer reports directly to the commanding officer (CO) to ensure that all protocols and safety regulations are adhered to, thus safeguarding both personnel and equipment.

In this capacity, the Combat Systems Officer plays a vital role in coordinating tactical operations and providing the CO with necessary updates, thereby influencing command decisions related to weapons deployment and safety measures. Their expertise is essential for effective mission planning and execution in environments where weapons use is likely.

Other roles, while important to the overall functioning of a naval unit, focus on different aspects. For instance, the Assistant Operations Officer might deal with general operational planning and execution, the Main Propulsion Assistant is primarily focused on the engineering and operation of the ship's propulsion systems, and the Navigation Officer centers on the vessel's navigation and course plotting. Therefore, they do not have the specialized focus on weapons handling that the Combat Systems Officer does