Optimizing Resources of United States Navy for Humanitarian Operations

Abstract

The United States Navy (USN) can rapidly respond to disasters due to high levels of readiness that are maintained on a constant basis The USN's unique capabilities allow the Department of Defense (DoD) to engage in global humanitarian operations. We study optimization of the USN's assets based on the existing work that analyzes USN disaster relief operations. In light of budget cuts, the realignment of forces, and the restructuring of the services, there is need for research identifying specific naval assets and their utility for conducting humanitarian operations. Our research is another step in that direction.