Granting a waiver to prevent a member from being separated for a second alcohol-related incident falls under which authority?

The correct answer is the Naval Personnel Command, as this authority is responsible for managing personnel matters within the Navy, including the review and potential waiver of separations related to alcohol incidents. The Naval Personnel Command has the necessary oversight to evaluate individual cases, considering both the circumstances of the alcohol-related incidents and the overall impact on the service member's career and the Navy as a whole.

In addition, the command is equipped to examine the factors related to substance use and can make determinations on whether a waiver is appropriate based on the established regulations and the service member’s performance and conduct within the Navy. This localized management is key to ensuring that decisions reflect a balance between maintaining standards and providing support where warranted.

While the other authorities, such as the Chief of Naval Operations, Secretary of the Navy, and Fleet Commander, have significant decision-making power within the Navy, their roles typically involve broader strategic oversight rather than the specific administrative functions required for individual cases concerning waivers for alcohol-related incidents.