Adapting Army Watercraft Maintenance as We Modernize Our Fleet

By Capt. Taylor Anderson-KoballOctober 17, 2024

Soldiers assigned to the 558th Transportation Company, 10th Transportation Battalion, 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary), adjust the governor and fuel injector rack on...
Soldiers assigned to the 558th Transportation Company, 10th Transportation Battalion, 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary), adjust the governor and fuel injector rack on
a Detroit Diesel 12V-71 watercraft engine during the company’s first Maintenance Rodeo competition at Third Port, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Sept. 19, 2017. (Photo Credit: Spc. Wilmarys Roman Rivera)
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In an era defined by technological advancements and evolving security challenges, modernizing the Army’s watercraft fleet emerges as a strategic imperative. For the Army, this entails not only upgrading to a robust fleet of watercraft but also maintaining these assets to the highest standards to operate in various locations throughout the world.

Army watercraft systems (AWS) play a crucial role in supporting a wide range of military operations. These vessels transport heavy equipment, supplies, and troops, enabling units to bridge the last tactical mile. Ensuring these vessels are mission ready at all times requires innovative approaches to maintenance, leveraging new technologies, and addressing the evolving challenges posed when conducting contested logistics in the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility (AOR). There is a significant gap between the availability of these assets and the operational requirements in the Pacific and other theaters. As the Army looks to modernize the fleet, we must consider modernizing how we maintain our fleet while minimizing downtime and increasing the availability of forward maintenance and supply chain support.

This article discusses the critical importance of modernizing maintenance procedures to enhance operational efficiency, strategic mobility, and readiness of the Army’s watercraft fleet, particularly in the Pacific theater, where demand often outpaces supply.

The Evolution of Army Watercraft

The Army’s watercraft fleet has evolved significantly over the decades, transitioning from traditional vessels to more advanced and versatile platforms. Historically, the Army has relied on a variety of watercraft to support operations, including landing craft, utility; logistics support vessels (LSVs); and modular causeway systems. These vessels have been instrumental in transporting troops, equipment, and supplies across large bodies of water, providing critical logistical support in diverse operational environments. The history of AWS reflects a continuous evolution in military logistics, adapting to the ever-changing demands of the operating environment (OE) and technological advancements.

Early Beginnings and World War II

The concept of dedicated logistics vessels is not new. It was during World War II that the Army recognized the critical need for specialized vessels to support large-scale, transoceanic military operations. During this period, the Army operated a variety of landing crafts and utility boats that were essential for the island-hopping campaigns in the Pacific and the amphibious assaults in Europe. These vessels were crucial in transporting tanks, trucks, and artillery, directly supporting frontline operations.

Post-War Developments and the Cold War Era

Following the war, the importance of having a capable and ready transport fleet led to further watercraft developments. During the Cold War, the geopolitical landscape demanded rapid deployment capabilities and a more robust logistical framework. The Army’s fleet expanded to include larger, more versatile vessels capable of longer voyages and heavier loads.

Modern LSV Integration

The late 20th and early 21st centuries marked significant advancements in technology and design, influencing the development of LSVs. The Army introduced more modern vessels, such as the Gen. Frank S. Besson class of LSVs, which are still in use today. These ships are equipped with advanced navigation systems and heavy-lifting capabilities and can beach themselves to unload cargo directly onto shore, making them invaluable assets in both combat and humanitarian missions.

These modern LSVs are designed to operate across the vast distances of the Pacific and other oceanic theaters, reflecting a strategic shift in focus toward maintaining readiness in more challenging and remote environments. They are capable of carrying substantial payloads, including multiple combat tanks, large quantities of ammunition, and hundreds of troops. The Indo-Pacific AOR involves a vast expanse of water, necessitating an evolved watercraft strategy to meet intra-theater sustainment responsibilities. AWS are crucial in this context, serving as a force multiplier during theater opening activities and theater sustainment and distribution operations. These vessels support joint multinational exercises west of the international date line (IDL), like Defender Pacific, Keen Edge, Talisman Saber, Valiant Shield, Cobra Gold, and Garuda Shield.

In recent years, modernization efforts have focused on enhancing the capabilities of these watercraft to address the increasing complexity of military missions. The introduction of new technologies, improved designs, and advanced materials has resulted in more capable and resilient vessels. As the fleet becomes more sophisticated, maintenance practices must also evolve to ensure these assets remain operationally effective and efficient.

The Importance of Effective Maintenance

Maintenance is a significant challenge for AWS due to their heavy reliance on contracted maintenance to keep aging vessels operational. AWS operate per on-condition cyclic maintenance (OCCM), where a vessel is dry-docked every three years, and depot-level maintenance is conducted. By the book, this process should take 90 to 120 days; realistically, this has taken vessels out of the fight for over a year. This issue is further compounded when vessels stationed in the Pacific must travel back to the U.S. — Virginia, Washington, California — for OCCM, leading to extended periods of reduced capability.

The current practice of sending Army watercraft back to the U.S. for repairs is not ideal for maintaining a high state of readiness. To address this issue, the Army must find ways to conduct repairs within the theater of operations. One potential solution is to relocate sustainment-level maintenance capabilities to the Pacific, which would reduce downtime associated with cyclic maintenance.

Traditional maintenance approaches have often been reactive rather than proactive. The typical cycle involves operating watercraft until a failure occurs, followed by necessary repairs and maintenance. This method leads to unpredictable downtime and less efficient use of resources. Additionally, logistical challenges in sourcing parts and qualified technicians can further extend these downtimes, reducing operational readiness and effectiveness.

Effective maintenance is crucial for the operational readiness and longevity of military watercraft. In the context of modernized watercraft, effective maintenance takes on added significance. Advanced technologies and systems, such as integrated navigation systems, automated control systems, and enhanced propulsion units, require specialized knowledge and skills to maintain. The complexity of these systems necessitates a shift from traditional maintenance approaches to more sophisticated and proactive practices.

Leveraging Technology for Maintenance

One key strategy for adapting Army watercraft maintenance as we modernize the fleet is leveraging advanced technologies. The integration of digital tools and systems can enhance maintenance practices, improving efficiency and accuracy while reducing downtime.

3D Printing

Maintaining a fleet of watercraft involves a complex logistical network that must ensure the availability of spare parts, tools, and materials. Long lead times, dependency on multiple suppliers, and the challenge of managing inventory across various locations often burden traditional supply chains. The need to transport parts and equipment across vast distances, especially for vessels operating in remote or forward-deployed areas, further exacerbates these challenges for the Army. Additionally, delays in obtaining necessary parts can lead to extended periods of reduced capability, hindering the overall operational effectiveness of the fleet.

3D printing has the potential to revolutionize the supply chain for watercraft maintenance. Modern watercraft often incorporate specialized components that may have longer lead times or limited availability. By enabling on-demand production of spare parts and components, 3D printing can reduce dependence on traditional supply chains and shorten lead times. This technology is particularly valuable for producing specialized or hard-to-find parts.

One of the most significant advantages of 3D printing is its ability to produce parts quickly. Traditional manufacturing processes often involve multiple steps, which can take weeks or even months. In contrast, 3D printing can create a part in hours or days. This rapid production capability is crucial for maintaining operational readiness and reducing downtime for watercraft.

3D printing also excels at producing customized parts. This capability is essential for repairing and maintaining aging watercraft, where replacement parts may no longer be available from the original manufacturers. Manufacturers can create and print custom parts to meet specific requirements, ensuring they can replace even the most unique components.

Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies can enhance maintenance training and support. AR can overlay digital information onto the physical world, providing maintenance technicians with real-time guidance and instructions. VR can create immersive training environments, allowing technicians to practice maintenance procedures in a risk-free setting. These technologies improve the effectiveness of training and ensure that personnel are well-prepared to handle complex maintenance tasks.

As these technologies continue to evolve, their integration into military maintenance practices will become increasingly essential, driving innovation and effectiveness in the field. Embracing AR and VR is an investment not just in technology but in the future readiness and capability of AWS.

Prioritizing Forward Maintenance and Supply Chain Support

As the Army continues to modernize its watercraft fleet to meet the demands of strategic operations, a critical aspect of this modernization is prioritizing forward maintenance and supply chain support.

One cannot overstate the strategic importance of forward-deployed maintenance capabilities. In an era where rapid response and operational agility are paramount, the ability to maintain and repair watercraft within the theater of operations is crucial. To achieve effective forward maintenance, the Army must establish forward maintenance hubs and agile logistics networks that support expeditionary operations and rapid deployment. These hubs would serve as central points for maintenance activities, equipped with the necessary tools, parts, and expertise to perform a wide range of maintenance tasks.

To augment forward maintenance capabilities and leverage global supply chain networks, the Army should explore public-private partnerships and international collaboration models, similar to how the Navy approaches maintenance for its watercraft. These approaches can provide access to additional resources, expertise, and innovative solutions to enhance the Army’s maintenance and logistical capabilities. Partnering with private industry can give the Army access to cutting-edge technologies, specialized expertise, and additional maintenance capacity. Collaborating with allied and partner nations in the Indo-Pacific region can enhance the Army’s forward maintenance capabilities and build stronger regional security ties. By establishing agreements with host nations for the use of their maintenance facilities and resources, the Army can expand its maintenance footprint and reduce reliance on U.S.-based facilities. These agreements can also support joint training and interoperability efforts, ensuring that maintenance personnel from different nations can work seamlessly together.

The modernization of AWS requires a comprehensive approach to maintenance and logistical support. By prioritizing forward maintenance and supply chain support, the Army can enhance its responsiveness, reduce downtime, and ensure that its watercraft are always mission ready.

Conclusion

As the Army continues to modernize its fleet of watercraft, adapting maintenance practices is essential to ensuring operational readiness and mission success. Key strategies for maintaining a modernized fleet include leveraging advanced technologies and prioritizing forward maintenance support. The commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in maintenance practices will ensure the Army’s watercraft fleet remains a vital asset in achieving strategic objectives and maintaining global security west of the IDL. AWS remain indispensable for the joint force, driving the continuous modernization of Army watercraft. By adopting these innovative approaches, the Army can ensure that its watercraft remain mission ready and capable of supporting a wide range of military operations in an ever-evolving OE.

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Capt. Taylor Anderson-Koball serves as the battalion S-4 for the 8th Special Troops Battalion, 8th Theater Sustainment Command. She holds a Master of Arts degree in international relations from the University of Oklahoma.

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This article was published in the fall 2024 issue of Army Sustainment.

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