Skip to main content

Strategic Mobility: Late Deliveries of Large, Medium Speed Roll-On/Roll-Off Ships

NSIAD-97-150 Published: Jun 16, 1997. Publicly Released: Jun 16, 1997.
Jump To:

Highlights

GAO reviewed the Navy's progress in acquiring 19 large, medium speed roll-on/roll-off (LMSR) ships, focusing on: (1) the Navy's efforts to deliver LMSR conversion and new construction ships on schedule and the impact of any delays on the Army meeting its prepositioning afloat requirements; (2) the capability of the LMSR conversion ships to adequately perform their mission; (3) the level of crewing for the LMSR ships; and (4) increases in LMSR procurement costs.

Recommendations

Recommendations for Executive Action

Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of Defense The Defense Contract Audit Agency has identified long-standing deficiencies in the material management and accounting systems at all three LMSR shipyard contractors. It believes these system deficiencies could affect the delivery schedule for LMSR ships. While DOD officials acknowledge the deficiencies, they do not believe they have had an effect on the delivery schedule. Given that there is valid concern that these system deficiencies could affect the delivery schedule for the LMSR ships, the Secretary of Defense should direct the Secretary of the Navy to resolve these deficiencies expeditiously to minimize the potential for additional delays.
Closed – Not Implemented
Efforts were made by shipyards to demonstrate compliance with material management for DCAA follow-up. DOD took no action and considers the case closed.
Department of Defense To minimize any potential operational impacts to DOD fulfilling its sealift requirements, the Secretary of Defense should direct the Secretary of the Navy to resolve the issue of the USNS Shughart's inability to maintain the required speed of 24 knots when loaded. The Secretary of the Navy should provide the results of this issue to the Army's logistics planners for use in developing their transportation plans.
Closed – Implemented
This recommendation is being closed after extensive discussions with DOD which shows compliance.

Full Report

Full Report (35 pages)

Office of Public Affairs

Topics

Auditing and Financial Management
Cost overrunsDefense capabilitiesDefense contingency planningDepartment of Defense contractorsIndustrial mobilizationMilitary cost controlMilitary vesselsNaval procurementSchedule slippagesShipbuilding industry