Summary

GAO evaluated the integrated logistics support planning for the Navy's guided missile FFG-7, a new class of ocean escort ships designed to operate in areas of low enemy threat.

Integrated logistics support planning for the FFG-7's was designed to reduce the number of shipboard personnel needed and to increase ship availability. To achieve these objectives, several new approaches to logistics support were developed. The planning process for developing these strategies has been comprehensive. However, it could have been improved by keeping logistics plans up to date, estimating costs of logistics support strategies, and applying analytical approaches to developing logistics support requirements earlier in the acquisition process. The FFG-7 maintenance plan is centered around a new approach called progressive overhaul, which relies heavily on the removal and replacement of certain equipment at predetermined intervals and short and intensive periodic maintenance actions. The plan's success is strongly dependent on the effective implementation of various logistics strategies. Potential obstacles which threaten the success of the FFG-7 class strategies include: lack of skilled personnel aboard the ships and at maintenance facilities, the inability to accurately forecast material requirements for planned maintenance actions, and the need for a timely and accurate system for accomplishing and monitoring the maintenance plan. The Navy needs to determine whether the use of reliability centered maintenance can reduce intermediate and depot maintenance costs. GAO found that inventory being stocked to support intermediate maintenance activities appears to be excessive. The Navy will have difficulty providing properly skilled enlisted personnel to the ships.