Which of the following is a responsibility of the Officer of the Deck?

The responsibility of overseeing subordinate watch positions aligns closely with the primary role of the Officer of the Deck (OOD). The OOD acts as the direct representative of the commanding officer on the bridge and is responsible for the safe navigation and overall operation of the ship while underway or in port. This includes ensuring that all watch personnel are performing their duties effectively and maintaining situational awareness. By supervising subordinate watch positions, the OOD ensures that all team members are coordinated and informed, which is essential for the ship's safety and operational readiness.

The other roles mentioned, such as managing combat operations, the ship’s supply chain, and conducting training exercises, while important in their own right, do not specifically fall under the purview of the OOD. Engaging in combat operations is typically managed by higher command or tactical teams focused on specific mission objectives. Supply chain management falls under logistics and supply officers, and conducting training exercises is generally the responsibility of training officers or designated personnel rather than the OOD. Thus, overseeing subordinate watch positions is the most accurate description of the OOD’s responsibility among the provided choices.