Better logistics planning needed to aid operational decisions related to the deployment of the National Security Cutter and its support assets

668448265PDFProceedingshttp://purl.access.gpo.gov/GPO/FDLP591GAO-09-497Ship operationsMarine transitMarine safetySubsidiesGovernment fundingFederal aidUnited StatesUnited States. Government Accountability OfficeUnited States. Government Accountability OfficeNTL-MARINE/WATERWAYS TRANSPORTATION-U.S. Coast GuardNTL-PLANNING AND POLICY-Marine Planning and PolicyNTL-LAWS AND REGULATIONS-Federal Standards and RulesNTL-LAWS AND REGULATIONS-Marine Laws and RegulationsUS Transportation CollectionAs part of its more than $$24 billion Deepwater program to replace aging vessels and aircraft with new or upgraded assets, the Coast Guard is preparing the National Security Cutter (NSC) for service. GAO previously reported on Deepwater assets' deployment delays and the Coast Guard's management of the Deepwater program. GAO was legislatively directed to continue its oversight of the Deepwater program. As a result, this report addresses: (1) the operational effects, if any, of delays in the delivery of the NSC and its support assets of unmanned aircraft and small boats; (2) Coast Guard plans for mitigating any operational effects and any associated costs of these plans; and (3) the extent to which the Coast Guard has plans, to include cost estimates, for phasing in logistics support of the NSC while phasing out support for the High Endurance Cutter (HEC) it is replacing. GAO's work is based on analyses of the (1) operational capabilities and maintenance plans of the NSC and its support assets and (2) data on the HECs' condition; comparison of an NSC and HEC; and, interviews with Coast Guard officials. GAO recommends that as the Coast Guard finalizes the Integrated Logistics Support Plan, it should ensure that the plan includes the required logistics support documents to be used and the time frames for completing them