Optimal long-term aircraft carrier deployment planning with synchronous depot level maintenance scheduling

Abstract : Forward deployment of Navy aircraft carrier battle groups is a primary means for the United States to achieve overseas interests. The Navy maintains the forward presence of aircraft carriers in three major Areas of Responsibility (AORs): the Mediterranean Sea, the Persian Gulf, and the Western Pacific. Considering the cost of carrier operations and the desire to maximize coverage of the AORs, planning deployments for the carriers not only significantly affects the achievement of U.S. defense strategy, but also impacts the Navy financially. Previous studies have maximized the deployment of aircraft carriers to the AORs while strictly adhering to the fixed, long-range maintenance schedules published by the Planning and Engineering for Repairs and Alterations Activity for Aircraft Carriers (PERA CV). This thesis optimizes aircraft carrier deployment planning while shifting the pre-scheduled maintenance availabilities well within limits allowed by the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO). This synchronous planning of deployments and major maintenance yields at least 15% more planned coverage in the AORs with the existing carrier fleet Such an increase had heretofore been thought to require three additional aircraft carriers.