Navy Carrier Battle Groups:

The Structure and Affordability of the Future Force

NSIAD-93-74, Feb 25, 1993

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GAO provided information on policy considerations, future requirements, and force structure of carrier battle groups, focusing on: (1) the size and makeup of future naval carrier forces in response to reduced defense spending; and (2) alternatives for meeting national security requirements with fewer carriers.

GAO found that: (1) changes in the international security environment shifted the U.S. strategy from containment of the former Soviet Union to ensuring regional stability by strategic deterrence, maintaining an overseas presence, crisis response, and maintaining a rebuilding capability; (2) the Navy plans to downsize its battle carrier force to 12 ships even though carrier battle groups are still needed because of their superior sustainability and flexibility capabilities; (3) the costs of procuring new carrier-based aircraft could exceed $120 billion and reduce the affordability of future carrier procurements and the number of aircraft deployed; (4) the Navy plans to extend the life of existing tactical and support aircraft; (5) carrier battle group alternatives, which are intended to fill gaps resulting from downsizing, include utilizing amphibious assault ships and surface combatants equipped with advanced missiles and weapons systems; (6) existing surface combatants could sufficiently fulfill regional contingencies and have strike, antiair, antisurface, and antisubmarine warfare capabilities; (7) advanced assault ships include flight decks, a variety of munitions, and landing craft launch capabilities, but lack multimission capabilities; (8) decreasing the frequency and duration of carrier operations and training will not significantly reduce operation and support costs, since up to 80 percent of the costs are fixed, including maintenance and personnel; and (9) cost savings can be realized by reducing the size of the carrier force and the complement of aircraft.

Status Legend:

More Info
  • Review Pending-GAO has not yet assessed implementation status.
  • Open-Actions to satisfy the intent of the recommendation have not been taken or are being planned, or actions that partially satisfy the intent of the recommendation have been taken.
  • Closed-implemented-Actions that satisfy the intent of the recommendation have been taken.
  • Closed-not implemented-While the intent of the recommendation has not been satisfied, time or circumstances have rendered the recommendation invalid.
    • Review Pending
    • Open
    • Closed - implemented
    • Closed - not implemented

    Recommendation for Executive Action

    Recommendation: Congress and the Department of Defense (DOD) should reach early agreement on the size and affordability of the carrier force needed to meet future national defense requirements. Reaching such an agreement during deliberations on the fiscal year (FY) 1994 budget submission is important because the number of carriers and their role in the new security environment directly affect: (1) the Navy's plans to acquire carriers, surface combatants, attack submarines, and combat logistics ships; and (2) the affordability of developing and procuring a full complement of costly new tactical aircraft.

    Agency Affected: Department of Defense

    Status: Closed - Implemented

    Comments: Congress delayed several force level decisions until the fiscal year 1995 budget to permit DOD to issue its Bottom Up Review. It appears that Congress will appropriate funds in the fiscal year 1995 budget to build the CVN-76 nuclear carrier and maintain DOD's planned force level of 12 carriers (11 active and 1 reserve).

    Matters for Congressional Consideration

    Matter: In the context of the agreement on the size and affordability of the carrier force, Congress should consider the extent the other, less costly force options could satisfy many national security needs and reduce the requirements for carrier battle groups before approving full funding for the new nuclear carrier in the planned FY 1995 request.

    Status: Closed - Not Implemented

    Comments: Congress provided full funding for construction of the CVN-76 nuclear aircraft carrier in the Fiscal Year 1995 National Defense Appropriations Act.

    Matter: Congress and the Department of Defense should reach early agreement on the size and affordability of the carrier force needed to meet future national defense requirements. Reaching such an agreement during deliberations on the fiscal year (FY) 1994 budget submission is important because the number of carriers and their role in the new security environment directly affect: (1) the Navy's plans to acquire carriers, surface combatants, attack submarines, and combat logistics ships; and (2) the affordability of developing and procuring a full complement of costly new tactical aircraft.

    Status: Closed - Implemented

    Comments: Congress delayed several force level decisions until the fiscal year 1995 budget to permit DOD to issue its Bottom Up Review. It appears that Congress will appropriate funding in the fiscal year 1995 budget to build the CVN-76 nuclear carrier and maintain DOD's planned force level of 12 carriers.