Summary

GAO reviewed several Naval shipyards in the continental United States to determine if weaknesses existed in the shipyards' reclamation, supply management, and storage of sandblasting materials.

The Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) is responsible for improving management programs at Navy shipyards. However, GAO found, that it has essentially assumed a passive role in the management of sandblasting operations. NAVSEA depends on shipyard commanders to ensure effective sandblasting material management and on the Navy's surface preparation and painting committee to study preparation problems. GAO stated that, by depending on the individual shipyard commanders to ensure an effective sandblasting operation and the resolution of problems, NAVSEA has assumed a very limited role and provides limited direction on sandblasting matters. As a result, sandblasting operations at the shipyards vary, and the costs and productivity are sometimes adversely affected.