Numbered Air Force

A Numbered Air Force (NAF) is a type of organization in the United States Air Force that is subordinate to a major command (MAJCOM) and has assigned to it operational units such as wings, squadrons, and groups.

This is no longer completely accurate, due to regular reorganization of Wings and Numbered Air Forces.

[7] These commands reflected the basic air combat missions that evolved during the war, and each reported directly to General Carl Spaatz, the Commanding General, Army Air Forces.

Numbered air forces served as an intermediate headquarters between these commands and the operational wings and groups.

Although variations existed, and number air forces were often reassigned, this basic arrangement persisted throughout the Cold War.

The goal of the reorganization was to "streamline, take layers out, flatten (Air Force) organizational charts, while at the same time clarifying the roles and responsibilities of essential supporting functions.

"[9] Numbered air forces were reorganized into tactical echelons focused on operations, and their administrative staff functions were eliminated.

[18] Since World War II other named air forces have existed in both operational and support commands.

Air Materiel Force, European Area, and Air Materiel Force, Pacific Area, on the other hand, served primarily as logistics support establishments.