SUPPLY CHAIN ENHANCEMENTS FOR THE COASTAL RIVERINE FORCES’ DEPLOYED MARK VI PATROL BOATS

Abstract

The Coastal Riverine Force currently has 12 Mark VI patrol boats in its inventory. The operational tempo for the Mark VI is demanding, with an expected operational availability of 300 days a year. Despite two annual Continuous Maintenance Availability periods for each vessel, the Coastal Riverine Force is experiencing readiness shortfalls during deployments due to a lack of replacement material, prompting the analysis of the Mark VI patrol boat deployment supply chain. This research reviews historical Mark VI demand data in order to develop a comprehensive understanding of the Coastal Riverine Force’s supply chain methodology. The authors make recommendations to develop an enhanced deployed supply chain framework, which will improve replacement component availability, readiness rates, and operational availability, and potentially generate cost savings for the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command.