Optimal Scheduling and Operating Target (OPTAR) cost model for aircraft carriers in the fleet response plan

Abstract

The Fleet Response Plan was developed to provide persistent readiness of the carrier fleet to respond to a variety of situations. This capability is developed through the Fleet Readiness Training Plan (FRTP) where the Navy's carriers are scheduled in staggered 32-month cycles consisting of four phases of progressive readiness levels. Required operating target funds, or OPTAR, are budgeted to each carrier by Commander Naval Air Forces to achieve and maintain that readiness. Future OPTAR budgets, however, will be constrained by a 20-percent reduction in fiscal years 2009 through 2013. To compensate, funding priority is given to carriers in higher readiness phases at the expense of carriers conducting baseline training and maintenance, adversely impacting the fleet's ability to exercise the Fleet Response Plan as originally intended. This thesis optimizes scheduling synchronously across all carriers to meet established FRTP readiness goals. Then, using a cost model based on recent historical spending and employment data, this thesis generates an estimate of required funding to operate all carriers. Ultimately, this thesis provides a link between operational requirements and OPTAR budget requirements.