Navy Needs To Increase S-3A Readiness To Ensure Effective Use of Planned Weapon System Improvements

GAO reviewed the S-3A carrier-based aircraft improvement program and assessed the issues which may determine the effectiveness of the planned program.

The Navy has embarked on a $1.3 billion weapon system improvement program which is a major modification to the S-3A program. GAO noted that the S-3A program office is concerned about timely delivery and additional funding needed for its operational software and also a $15 million congressional cut in fiscal year 1983 research and development funds. GAO stated that the Navy's ability to increase the aircraft's operation readiness is critical to the success of the improvement program. The Navy's present efforts include establishing the Readiness Improvement Program, the Operational and Safety Improvement Program, and initiatives by the Chief of Naval Operations. GAO found that poor operational readiness has been caused by low reliability and maintainability of equipment as well as shortages of trained flight and maintenance personnel and inadequate spares support. GAO stated that the Navy has sufficient aircraft for current active squadrons, but there are not enough aircraft available for attrition and reserve squadrons. GAO stated that it cannot currently assess the increase in operational readiness, because the Navy has changed its readiness reporting methods.

Recommendations

Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.

Director: John Landicho Team: General Accounting Office: Mission Analysis and Systems Acquisition Division Phone: (202) 275-6504