APPLYING DATA ANALYTICS TO IMPROVE NAVAL AVIATION SUSTAINMENT

Through the successful application of data analysis tools, beginning-to-end analysis of enterprise supply and maintenance chains has resulted in the identification of valuable optimization opportunities. With complex logistics systems generating large amounts of structured and unstructured data, an enterprise’s ability to analyze and interpret mass amounts of disparate datasets is a source of great competitive advantage. The U.S. Navy operates a complex global logistics system, and its ability to optimize its operations is critical to ongoing success. In our research, we focus data analysis methods on critical weapon systems such as the CH-53E aircraft in order to identify unseen relationships in their sustainment efforts using reported maintenance records fielded by naval component commands and the multiple CH-53E subordinate and supporting organizations. Using available analytics tools, we improve our understanding of the relationships among total flight hours, maintenance actions, and percentage of equipment not in service to the aircraft’s Mission Capable rates. We find opportunities to improve the Navy’s understanding of its supply and maintenance practices in support of selected critical weapons systems through the holistic analysis of datasets at the organizational level. We identify pitfalls in weapon system sustainment, thus improving the effectiveness of naval aviation and the operational availability of its aircraft.