A Blueprint for Ship and System Life Cycle Management
Challenge
The US Navy’s Fleet is being asked to meet a longer than expected service life and serve on longer deployments and more missions than ever before, yet, its Readiness is challenged by new training needs, ongoing corrosion, changing manning requirements, and obsolete parts and equipment. SEA 21 took the lead in performing Readiness Task Forces, focusing on the Mine Countermeasures (MCM) Ship Class, the LPD 17 Ship Class, and the Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD), SPY-AWS, and Navigation systems.
Solution
To successfully execute these two month to year-long Task Forces, McKean assembled teams with extensive knowledge of the myriad of ship systems, equipment, and training. The staff developed Task Force Charters and Plans of Action and Milestones (POA&Ms) for clarity. Then the McKean team completed requisite systems research and onsite visits. As part of the visits, McKean retired Navy personnel walked the ships with sailors to assess everything from lube oil piping to schoolhouse training. The team’s knowledge of the challenges created an environment where the sailors felt comfortable enough to discuss any and all issues that caused decreased Readiness. These assessments gave the Task Forces an unprecedented look at the “real time” Fleet issues, and resulted in Manpower, Personnel, and Training (MPT), Integrated Logistics Support (ILS), and Sustainment recommendations.
Success
McKean’s assessment teams visited 30 ships over 35 days and received over 3,600 comments from the crews. In a short time frame, the team members drafted reports that provided estimated repair costs and funding lines. These reports covered near term readiness, expected service live and ongoing life cycle management. Ultimately, the reports were comprehensive enough to justify future Navy repair and upgrade initiatives.