Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti set an ambitious goal for the Navy in the fall of 2022: to achieve 80 percent of the Navy’s fleet ready for deployment at any given time by the year 2027. She acknowledged that this target might be considered “a little aspirational.”

On Monday, the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) released a strategy to support this objective. This five-part plan focuses on two main goals: ensuring new ships are commissioned on time and creating more maintenance opportunities for existing vessels. Sticking to maintenance schedules, which have historically posed a challenge for the Navy, is also a crucial part of this initiative.

During a panel discussion at the Surface Navy Association’s annual symposium outside Washington, D.C., Vice Adm. Jim Downey, head of NAVSEA, emphasized the importance of effective planning. He proposed implementing shorter maintenance periods, potentially reducing dry dock time to 100 or 150 days instead of the traditional year-long schedules. Downey highlighted that data shows scheduled maintenance that lasts a year is four times more likely to exceed the timeline compared to shorter maintenance periods.

Additionally, a new policy has been introduced which limits any time added for unexpected issues during maintenance to no more than 12 percent of the original timeframe. Rear Adm. Bill Greene, who commands the Navy Regional Maintenance Center in Norfolk, Virginia, explained that for a 100-day maintenance schedule, any additional time cannot exceed 12 days without approval from a flag officer within the ship’s chain of command.

To enhance efficiency, better coordination with private sector partners will be essential. George Whittier, CEO of ship engine supplier Fairbanks Morse, spoke about the need for meticulous planning concerning work scope, material availability, and necessary labor requirements.

Another innovative approach discussed involves performing computer repairs and upgrades independently rather than relying on shipyard facilities. Capt. Andy Biehn from the Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare Systems noted that instead of physically replacing a destroyer’s computer system to upgrade its Aegis Weapon System, updates can now be made virtually. This method allows for quicker delivery of new capabilities and software updates, thus enhancing the ships’ combat effectiveness even while deployed at sea. So far, several destroyers have successfully received this digital update, with 20 more expected to complete the process in the current year.