Navy's F/A-18 Program Faces Budget Concerns and Performance Limitations as Aircraft Enter the Fleet

In response to a congressional request, GAO discussed the Navy's F/A-18 strike-fighter program in connection with F/A-18 funding practices, performance problems, and fleet introduction. GAO was asked to determine: (1) the amount of F/A-18 support funds used to finance budget shortfalls and overruns and the operational effect of this financing practice on the Navy's ability to adequately support the aircraft; and (2) the operational test and evaluation results and the effect of performance problems on the aircraft's operational effectiveness.