Capturing Maintenance and Modernization Efficiencies

The cutback in the Defense budget is real as is the shrinking size of the U.S. Navy. These circumstances present unique challenges to a program, like the Aegis Program, which is growing in the number of ships in-service. With the requirement at all levels of DoD to reduce spending and save dollars, it is vital to find innovative methods to streamline the processes used to plan for and maintain the complex Aegis ships. Failing this, the only alternative is reduction of the amount of support, maintenance, and training available. This paper will discuss the evolution of Aegis maintenance and modernization planning from the traditional availability-by-availability planning to a comprehensive “class” operation cycle planning. It will examine the integrated Hull Management System (HMS) concept, which links various data base modules of alteration, ILS and material management tracking information subsystems and other automated aspects of the Aegis Expanded Expanded (EX)2 Planning Yard to allow for more accurate and timely planning. Finally, it will discuss the concept and efficiencies expected in continuing the evolution from current Expanded Expanded (EX)2 Planning Yards to the further automated (EX)3 concept. It will be necessary for the (EX)2 concept to capture the lessons learned to date and expand on the efficiencies of automation if the Navy is going to be able to afford to maintain the operational readiness and quality of Aegis ships during a decreasing Future Year Defense Plan (FYDP).