Navy Sealift:
Observations on the Navy's Ready Reserve Force
NSIAD-86-168: Published: Aug 18, 1986. Publicly Released: Aug 18, 1986.
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GAO reviewed the Navy's and the Maritime Administration's (MARAD) efforts to ensure the readiness of the Ready Reserve Force (RRF), specifically, their efforts to: (1) ensure that they can activate RRF ships within required time periods; (2) activate numerous RRF ships concurrently; and (3) ensure the availability of key resources, such as shipyard berthing space and manpower, merchant marine crews, and critical spares.
GAO found that: (1) the Navy and MARAD awarded contracts to 15 firms to berth ships at more than 20 locations nationwide to eliminate fleet congestion, unberthing delays, and overburdening of shipyard labor pools; (2) most of the resources needed to activate RRF ships would be available in the event of an emergency and designated personnel were aware of their duties; (3) although the majority of the shipyards have complete crews, some crews have inadequate skills and experience to operate the older RRF equipment, and would be difficult to assemble within the critical 5- and 10-day activation periods; (4) there would be many competing demands for manpower during a war; (5) the Navy and MARAD have contracted for the maintenance of RRF ships whenever MARAD cannot handle the work load; (6) the Navy and MARAD have improved their methods of computerizing the spare parts inventory; (7) the large number of RRF ships and budgetary constraints may interfere with the Navy's goal to activate all 136 ships at least once every 5 years; (8) activation testing is not accurate since the Navy must use military cargo generated from military exercises during test activations rather than cargo from the U.S. merchant fleet; and (9) due to the limited number of military exercises, the Navy has found it difficult to activate and exercise 27 ships a year for 30 days.
Apr 9, 2018
Rail Transit:
Federal Transit Administration Can Strengthen Safety Oversight by Improving Guidance to StatesGAO-18-310: Published: Mar 20, 2018. Publicly Released: Apr 9, 2018.
Feb 28, 2018
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Positive Train Control:
Many Commuter Railroads Still Have Significant Additional Implementation Work and Opportunities Exist to Provide Federal AssistanceGAO-18-367T: Published: Mar 1, 2018. Publicly Released: Feb 28, 2018.
Jan 30, 2018
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Highway and Transit Projects:
Evaluation Guidance Needed for States with National Environmental Policy Act AuthorityGAO-18-222: Published: Jan 30, 2018. Publicly Released: Jan 30, 2018.
Jan 16, 2018
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Commercial Space Launch Insurance:
FAA Needs to Fully Address Mandated RequirementsGAO-18-57: Published: Jan 16, 2018. Publicly Released: Jan 16, 2018.
Dec 21, 2017
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Transportation Security Administration:
After Oversight Lapses, Compliance with Policy Governing Special Authority Has Been StrengthenedGAO-18-172: Published: Dec 21, 2017. Publicly Released: Dec 21, 2017.
Dec 14, 2017
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Transportation Security Administration:
Surface Transportation Inspector Activities Should Align More Closely With Identified RisksGAO-18-180: Published: Dec 14, 2017. Publicly Released: Dec 14, 2017.
Dec 4, 2017
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Auto Recalls:
NHTSA Should Take Steps to Further Improve the Usability of Its WebsiteGAO-18-127: Published: Dec 4, 2017. Publicly Released: Dec 4, 2017.
Nov 30, 2017
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Automated Vehicles:
Comprehensive Plan Could Help DOT Address ChallengesGAO-18-132: Published: Nov 30, 2017. Publicly Released: Nov 30, 2017.
Nov 15, 2017
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Commercial Aviation:
Pilots' and Flight Attendants' Exposure to Noise aboard AircraftGAO-18-109R: Published: Nov 15, 2017. Publicly Released: Nov 15, 2017.
Nov 2, 2017
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Discretionary Transportation Grants:
DOT Should Take Actions to Improve the Selection of Freight and Highway ProjectsGAO-18-38: Published: Nov 2, 2017. Publicly Released: Nov 2, 2017.
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