Who is the Commander in Chief of the US Armed Forces?

the President is the Commander in Chief and must authorize the use of deadly force...the specific rescue plan is developed by military commanders, and the exact moment it will be initiated is usually determined by the commander at the scene. The President just gives broad authority to proceed, then the military develops and executes the specific plan. The Pres does not usually call the navy ship captain, normally he will order the Joint Chiefs of Staff and then the orders will flow down military chains of command.