ANALYSIS OF THE SINGLE FUEL CONCEPT WITHIN THE EUCOM AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY

Currently, U.S. Navy ships, with the exception of CVNs and submarines, utilize F-76 as their main fuel source and utilize JP-5 for aviation and support equipment. When planning for replenishment at sea, ships must plan to receive both F-76 and JP-5. Ships must also utilize separate storage and testing of the two fuels. The replenishment ships, which refuel the warships, are constrained by how much of each fuel type they can store. Being able to utilize a single fuel could simplify replenishment schedules. This research effort analyzes fuel supply and distribution capabilities during Phase II operations in the European theater when operating under the single fuel concept. This effort builds on two prior works: an unclassified study focused on the logistics benefit provided by the single fuel concept in the Pacific and a classified study (sanitized for this thesis) that explored the current logistics capability and capability gaps surrounding petroleum, oil and lubricant (POL) distribution. This work determines the potential impacts of switching to a single type of fuel (JP-5) and examines what kinds of policy changes and/or asset procurements may be needed to close those gaps. This study uses the NPS-developed Fuel Usage Study Extended Demonstration (FUSED) model to evaluate our capabilities to move fuel in theater using currently available assets operating under a single fuel concept (JP-5) and compares it with the performance with two fuels: JP-5 and F-76.Lieutenant Commander, United States NavyApproved for public release. Distribution is unlimited