Navy Readiness: Actions Needed to Address Costly Maintenance Delays Facing the Attack Submarine Fleet
Abstract
Why GAO Did This Study. According to the Navy, its 51 attack submarines provide the United States an asymmetric advantage to gather intelligence undetected, attack enemy targets, and insert special forces, among others. These capabilities make attack submarines some of the mostrequested assets by the global combatant commanders. GAO was asked to review the readiness of the Navy's attack submarine force. This report discusses the extent to which the Navy (1) has experienced maintenance delays in its attack submarine fleet and costs associated with any delays; and (2) has addressed any challenges and developed mitigation plans for any maintenance delays. GAO analyzed readiness information from fiscal years 2008-2018, operating and support costs, maintenance performance, and other data; visited attack submarines and squadrons; and interviewed public and private shipyard and fleet officials. This is a public version of a classified report issued in October 2018. Information the Department of Defense deemed classified or sensitive, such as attack submarine force structure requirements and detailed data on attack submarine maintenance delays, has been omitted.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1152890
Entities
People
- Ally Gonzalez
- Amber Sinclair
- Carol Peterson
- Cheryl Weissman
- Chris Cronin
- Chris Watson
- Cynthia Grant
- Herb Bowsher
- John H. Pendleton
- Suzanne Wren
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office