commands, which command operational forces and serve as joint force maritime component commands, fifteen shore commands, which support the fleets' operating forces, five systems commands, which oversee the technical requirements of the Navy, and nine type commands, which administratively manage units of a certain type. U.S. Air Force The United States Air Force (USAF) is the United States Armed Forces' air force. Originally established in 1947 when it gained independence from the U.S. Army, it traces its history back to through the United States Army Air Forces, United States Army Air Corps, United States Army Air Service, the Division of Military Aeronautics, Aviation Section, U.S. Signal Corps, to the birth of Aeronautical Division, U.S. Signal Corps on 1 August 1907. The U.S. Air Force serves as the dominant air service, responsible for aerial warfare operations. The U.S. Air Force is composed of the Regular Air Force, Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard. The U.S. Air Force is organized under the Department of the Air Force, which is a military department under the leadership of the secretary of the Air Force and under secretary of the Air Force. The U.S. Air Force itself is led by the chief of staff of the Air Force and vice chief of staff of the Air Force, both generals who are advised by the chief master sergeant of the Air Force. The five core missions of the Air Force are: Air superiority Global integrated intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance Rapid global mobility Global strike Command and control In addition to these core missions, the Air Force has eight core functions: Conduct nuclear operations in support of strategic deterrence, to include providing and maintaining nuclear surety and capabilities. Conduct offensive and defensive operations, to include appropriate air and missile defense, to gain and maintain air superiority and air supremacy as required, to enable the conduct of operations by U.S. and allied land, sea, air, space, and special operations forces. Conduct global precision attack, to include strategic attack, interdiction, close air support, and prompt global strike. Provide timely, globally integrated intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capability and capacity from forward deployed locations and globally distributed centers to support world-wide operations. Provide rapid global mobility to employ and sustain organic air and space forces and other military service and U. S. Special Operations Command forces, as directed, to include airlift forces for airborne operations, air logistical support, tanker forces