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The Navy is in the process of upgrading its antisubmarine warfare (ASW) capabilities by converting to the improved LAMPS MARK III ASW helicopter system. It will continue to operate the LAMPS MARK I system through the remainder of the century, though the Navy plans no purchases of the LAMPS I helicopter--the SH-2F--beyond 1985. Also, beginning in 1984 the Navy intends to transfer the first of a total of 24 SH-2F helicopters to the Naval Reserve for use on reserve frigates.

This paper outlines alternative ways to augment fleet ASW capabilities over the next several years by relying to a greater extent on the use of Naval Reserve forces. In general, these alternatives would continue purchases of the SH-2F beyond 1985 and place these aircraft directly into the reserve program. Thus, these alternatives would also establish a new pattern for Naval Reserve ASW squadrons by having reserve helicopters augment operations on active combatants in time of emergency. For ships able to operate two helicopters, a second, reserve LAMPS I would augment the active-duty helicopter routinely assigned to the combatant in peacetime. Other reserve LAMPS I helicopters would be assigned to ships not normally carrying LAMPS. This is consistent with Navy Secretary Lehman's call for improved "horizontal integration" of active and reserve forces.

This document is available in its entirety in PDF.