Impact of Mental Health-Related Unplanned Losses Onboard Surface Ships

Abstract

The Surface Navy is experiencing increased unplanned losses (UPL) each year. In this interpretive study, we received and analyzed data from Naval Surface Forces Pacific Command (CNSP), looking for trends and patterns. Our data covered fiscal years 2019, 2020, 2021, and up to February 2022. The data showed that over the last two years, mental health has overtaken misconduct and drug abuse for the leading cause of UPLs across the Fleet. Upon this discovery, we questioned why mental health UPLs were rising and how we can reduce them. Currently, the term “unplanned loss” is undefined in any instruction. A previous study defined a UPL as “a loss to a command where a Sailor is issued a DD214.” However, we believe it should be defined as “any loss of a Sailor from a command that is expected to last greater than 3 weeks.” By defining the term this way, it will allow commands to implement a standard operating procedure and corrective courses of actions to find a replacement Sailor and to account for temporary losses. We believe filling UPLs as quickly as possible will significantly slow down the domino effect of multiple UPLs onboard surface ships. Our research uncovered more question than answers, but we believe our recommendations and future research will greatly benefit the Fleet in the future.