Future Seabasing Technology Analysis: Logistics Systems
Abstract
The Center for Naval Analyses (CNA) was tasked by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) to review the Navy's seabasing concept, identify potential operational problems, and propose science and technology (S&T) investments to produce new technologies or significantly improve existing ones. The authors examined the composition of the sea base as a function of the type and scope of the contingencies that have been addressed by seabased forces and determined that all seabasing operations, large or small, require a common set of operational capabilities. These needed capabilities can be grouped into three categories: Logistics Systems, Connectors, and Logistics Command and Control (C2). In this report, they analyze logistics systems. Analyses of the other categories are reported separately. An additional summary report ties the individual reports together. Logistics systems allow for efficient tracking and handling of materials as they pass through the logistics pipeline and until they are delivered in support of the forces ashore. The seabasing concept places a demand on replenishment ships to supply the entire sea base. Providing this level of sustainment to the different customers in the sea base requires advances in logistics systems, in particular, in the cargo handling systems. The Fleet and Military Sealift Command (MSC) are able to keep supplies flowing with current systems, but they have the following problems: (1) limited visibility of material, ordnance, and personnel, both in the ship and throughout the supply chain; (2) logistics systems that are manpower-intensive and slow; and (3) disjointed logistics operations that lack a seamless flow between processes. This document concentrates on the intra-ship logistics capabilities needed to fulfill the seabasing concept, the logistics products currently in development, and future technology areas that could improve seabasing logistics (i.e., Sense and Respond Logistics (S&RL) and artificial intelligence).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA456109
Entities
People
- J. J. Yopp
Organizations
- Center for Naval Analyses