Alignment of organizational level workload and maintenance manning in the United States Navy F/A-18C community

Abstract

This research was conducted to examine the balance of workload and manning in the F/A-18C community. Data shows that current application of the Navy Standard at - sea workweek results in squadrons being overworked ashore during return and post-deployment months. This increase in workload is exacerbated by the fact that the Navy Standard at - sea Workweek does not include leave. If all squadron maintenance personnel take their earned leave 3,930 days of labor predicted in the workweek must be performed by personnel not on leave. Data shows that squadron workload is not constant across the deployment cycle. Historical aircraft utilization rates suggest that projected utilization rates in the F/A-18C ROC/POE are accurate for their intended purpose. This should not, however, eliminate the use of historical aircraft utilization data in the manpower process. Squadrons could be more accurately manned at sea by using a percentage of projected aircraft utilization rates. Current alignment of workload and manning results in paying a premium for personnel deployed who do not support workload. Establishment of an operational tempo department to more accurately align workload and manning through funding of requirements is one possible solution to balancing workload and manning while supporting Navy personnel policies and initiatives.