Who approves the activation or inactivation of a designated aeromedical staging facility (ASF) or the partial curtailment of the mission assigned to an ASF?

• A. The President
• B. AF Chief of Staff
• C. Owning Major Command
• D. Responsible Combatant Commander

Answer: (B)

Activating or inactivating an aeromedical staging facility or making partial curtailments to its mission is a decision tied to Air Force force management and medical evacuation policy. The authority to approve such changes rests with the Air Force senior leadership responsible for approving major shifts in structure and mission—the Chief of Staff of the Air Force. The President isn’t the direct approver for these routine, capability-level adjustments. The owning Major Command may propose changes based on theater and readiness needs, but final approval comes from the Chief of Staff. A Responsible Combatant Commander may request adjustments to support theater operations, but cannot unilaterally grant or veto changes to Air Force medical evacuation assets.