Littoral Combat Ship and Expeditionary Fast Transport: Their Utility as Support Platforms during Humanitarian Aid / Disaster Relief Operations

Abstract

Over the last several decades, there has been an increase in U.S. naval involvement in supporting humanitarian assistance, disaster relief (HA/DR) operations. Cruiser and destroyer (CRUDES) platforms, two of the most heavily employed platforms in the United States Navy, are frequently tasked outside of their primary mission sets as a result of HA/DR events, both natural and man-made. This has placed enormous pressure upon these units, their crews, and fleet commanders, specifically in how to best prioritize their use for maximum mission accomplishment. Our analysis provides side-by-side comparisons of the cost and capabilities of the LCS and T-EPF platforms to CRUDES assets, and describes their ability to effectively support HA/DR operations. This analysis gives senior leadership and mission planners objective information regarding viable alternatives that could allow CRUDES assets to maintain focus on their primary mission objectives while maintaining the necessary flexibility to support HA/DR operations.