Summary: GAO reviewed the Navy's aircraft intermediate maintenance program, focusing on repair rates, turnaround times, and capabilities among intermediate maintenance facilities.
GAO found that: (1) overall repair rates varied considerably among individual aircraft intermediate maintenance departments (AIMD) located at naval air stations; (2) repair turnaround times varied considerably between the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets and among individual AIMD because of factors related to repair priorities and procedures, personnel use, and quantities and types of test and support equipment used; and (3) repair capabilities varied widely among AIMD repairing the same aircraft components. GAO noted that, although the Navy has initiated individual programs to increase repair capabilities, some of the programs have not been fully implemented. GAO concluded that Navy headquarters and Fleet activities are aware of the large variances in repair rates, capabilities, and turnaround times among individual AIMD, but they have not analyzed these variances to identify the best practices and procedures of individual AIMD.
