The Navy's Fleet Expansion

GAO discussed the Navy's ability to effectively plan and manage its fleet expansion program, specifically: (1) the Navy's ability to reach its 600-ship force goal; (2) operating and support aspects of the expanded fleet; and (3) areas in which decisions will have to be made concerning the optimum use of available resources. GAO found that, although the Navy will numerically reach a 600-ship force by 1989, it will not achieve its desired 600-ship force mix through the year 2000 and shortfalls will occur in most categories, with the largest deviations being in surface combatants and attack submarines. GAO also attempted to identify what total force capability shortfalls might occur by 1990, 1995, and 2000, and is still working with the Navy in this area. The final phase of the GAO study is to ascertain the effects of the various shortfalls through discussions with personnel and to continue efforts to determine the cost implications and to identify and evaluate alternatives. By using Navy data and estimates, GAO plans to identify past, present, and future operating and support levels and to project the various levels of funding that may be needed to maintain the 600-ship Navy. GAO will also continue to study operating and support concerns raised by fleet officials in areas such as spare parts, ordnance, and ship maintenance.