Cannibalization at the Pacific Fleet F/A-18 Training Squadrons

This thesis analyzes cannibalization as it affects the Pacific Fleet Navy and Marine Corps F/A-l8 Fleet Replacement Squadrons. This thesis researches the supply/support posture of the F/A-l8, identifies its shortcomings, analyzes the cannibalizations performed by the squadrons and determines the impact and usefulness of cannibalizations. An increase in cannibalizations increases component failure rates. Cannibalization doubles maintenance man-hours and depletes valuable resources. The data showed no clear linear relationship between cannibalizations and mission capable rate, flight hours completed, sorties completed or direct maintenance man-hours. There were many inconsistencies between different data sources. Cannibalizations should be kept to a minimum. More specific guidance is needed for cannibalization. A better tracking system is needed to capture all cannibalization data. Incentives should be incorporated to encourage truth and accuracy in reporting.Naval Postgraduate School Monterey CA is the author of 'Cannibalization at the Pacific Fleet F/A-18 Training Squadrons', published 1997 under ISBN 9781423564874 and ISBN 1423564871.