An analysis of candidate ship classes as potential Naval Reserve trainers.

Abstract

Four ship classes were analyzed as candidates for Naval Reserve training assignments. They are FF-1040 and FF-1052 Class frigates, DD-931 Class destroyers, and LST-1179 Class tank landing ships. Reserve crew billets proposed for each alternative were compared to FY 1980 Naval Reserve manpower availability in seventeen seaport localities to identify training ship assignment options. For each option, the possibility of a second reserve training crew was investigated. Operating and upkeep costs for each alternative were analyzed to provide other information relevant to training ship assignments. Costs included were direct costs regularly incurred, exclusive of extraordinary items. Two conclusions were drawn from the findings. First, the mission of the training ship program could be accomplished with fewer ships than now assigned. Second, the cost advantage of LST-1179 Class tank landing ships is offset by its lesser ability to train critical ratings for the fleet.