Optimization of combat logistics force required to support major combat operations

• Main Author: Morse, Troy C.
• Other Authors: Carlyle, W. Matthew
• Published: Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School 2012
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10945/3983

Military requirements development involves operational commanders conducting analyses of a variety of combat scenarios to assess force structure and material requirements to meet their military objectives. The naval component of each command determines the number of Combat Logistics Force (CLF) ships necessary to keep combatant vessels on station. Without sufficient CLF ships, naval forces are unable to sustain continued presence in theater, hampering their ability to support combat operations. Current practice uses spreadsheet-based average consumption models to estimate the CLF requirement. However, these models do not adequately account for surges in demand or coordination of shuttle ships between multiple battle groups. This thesis demonstrates an optimization model coupled with a spreadsheet interface to identify CLF requirements for campaign level analysis through the use of a fictional 60-day combat scenario. We determine that resupply port location is a key determinant of shuttle ship quantity and employment. We also demonstrate an all-shuttle-ship concept that eliminates the need for station ships and further reduces the number of CLF ships necessary to support the mission.