GAO reviewed the Air Force Pacific Distribution System (PDS) to assess: (1) the need for PDS; and (2) whether it can effectively and efficiently satisfy its planned objectives.

GAO found that PDS included: (1) a logistics command, control, and communications (LOG C3) system to provide theater-wide visibility over tactical aircraft spare parts; (2) a stockage warehouse to stock depot-level material; and (3) light-utility aircraft to provide delivery of mission-essential spare parts to U.S. tactical air bases in the Pacific. GAO also found that: (1) although the Air Force planned to use PDS to deliver spare parts between a logistics center, an intermediate repair facility, and its tactical air bases, it phased out the repair facility and eliminated the principal operations center that PDS would serve; (2) the Air Force planned to use PDS to provide rapid lateral support between bases, but selected an aircraft that was not fully capable of carrying out the PDS mission; (3) Congress disapproved funding for PDS in 1988 because the Air Force had not thoroughly evaluated the European Distribution System LOG C3 system before proceeding with the PDS LOG C3 system; (4) the aircraft designated for PDS continued to operate a similar service, while the warehouse only stocked a few items; and (5) the Air Force left several bases' operations similar to the planned PDS, since it expected to obtain authority to resume PDS operations with 1990 appropriations.