Who is the primary delegate for functions when the Chief of Staff is occupied with Joint Chiefs of Staff duties?

The role of the Vice Chief of Staff is to assist the Chief of Staff and take on additional responsibilities when the Chief is engaged in other high-level duties, such as those involving the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This includes representing the Chief in a variety of functions and ensuring that essential operations and decisions continue to move forward smoothly in their absence. The Vice Chief is closely involved in the day-to-day management of the Air Force, enabling effective leadership even when the Chief is otherwise occupied.

The other positions listed, such as the Secretary of the Air Force and the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, have different roles and responsibilities that do not include the delegation of functions specifically related to command and operational oversight in situations where the Chief of Staff is unavailable. Meanwhile, the Chief of Space Operations relates to the management of Space Force matters, which further delineates its responsibilities from those of the Vice Chief in terms of the Air Force hierarchy.