Research Summaries

Back Cost-Benefit Analysis of Navy Station Search and Rescue (SAR)

Fiscal Year 2019
Division Research & Sponsored Programs
Department NPS Naval Research Program
Investigator(s) Tick, Simona L.
Sullivan, Ryan
Sponsor NPS Naval Research Program (Navy)
Summary Is there a more efficient way for the Navy Aviation to carry out Search and Rescue (SAR) operations at Air Stations? The Search and Rescue units use MH-60S (Sierra) helicopters and highly-trained pilots and crew to be first responders for the aircraft and personnel stationed at Air Stations. Increasing operational demand, due to LCS SUW and MCM Mission Package deployments, will stress MH-60S capacity in the early 2020s, when MH-60S Total Requirement will exceed Total Overall Aircraft Inventory.

What is the most efficient path forward to meet an increasing operational demand while managing career paths for highly-trained, quality personnel and aircraft distribution? Station SAR services are critical enablers to generation of Naval Aviation combat power; however, use of tactical aircraft may not be the most economical method to deliver those services, particularly when balanced with a tangible warfighting need.

This study will conduct a cost benefit analysis to identify the most efficient way to deliver the required current and future SAR capability at each Naval Air Station (NAS). It will consider whether outsourcing SAR services can yield cost savings, and it will assess its affect (intended and unintended) on manpower and aircraft distribution, for the short and long term. The study will examine the existing fleet inventory, personnel, and operational demand at NAS Key West, Lemoore, Whidbey Island, Fallon, Patuxent River and China Lake. Each NAS in question may have distinct requirements for Station SAR services based upon platforms, ranges, environmental factors and operating parameters.

The cost-benefit analysis will develop a model to support decision by Naval Aviation leadership and resource sponsor on the most efficient method for delivering the SAR capabilities. Deliverables to include a technical report, executive summary, research poster, journal article, and teaching case study.

This work will be conducted jointly with Dr. Robert Mortlock
Keywords
Publications Publications, theses (not shown) and data repositories will be added to the portal record when information is available in FAIRS and brought back to the portal
Data Publications, theses (not shown) and data repositories will be added to the portal record when information is available in FAIRS and brought back to the portal