Which officer would likely be involved in hands-on navigation decisions during operations?

The Conning Officer plays a key role in hands-on navigation decisions during operations. This officer is responsible for the direct control and maneuvering of the vessel, ensuring it stays on the intended course while making real-time adjustments based on the operating environment, such as traffic, weather, and tactical considerations. The Conning Officer communicates closely with other team members to gather necessary information and make immediate navigation decisions.

While the Navigator provides essential navigation data and planning, the Conning Officer is the one executing that plan in the moment. The Executive Officer oversees overall operations but does not engage in navigation tasks at the level of direct control. The Tactical Action Officer, while involved in broader tactical decisions, focuses more on combat and tactical readiness than on specific navigation maneuvers. This delineation of roles emphasizes the Conning Officer's unique position in actively managing the vessel's navigation.