Augmenting Fleet ASW Capabilities by Relying on Greater Naval Reserve Activity

The Navy is in the process of upgrading its anti-submarine warfare ASW capabilities by converting to the improved LAMPS MARK III ASW helicopter system. It will continue to operate the LAMPS MARK I system through the remainder of the century, though the Navy plans no purchases of the LAMPS I helicopter, the SH-2F, beyond 1985. Also, beginning in 1984, the Navy intends to transfer the first of a total of 24 SH-2F helicopters to the Naval Reserve for use on reserve frigates. This paper outlines alternative ways to augment fleet ASW capabilities over the next several years by relying to a greater extent on the use of Naval Reserve forces. In general, these alternatives would continue purchases of the SH-2F beyond 1985 and place these aircraft directly into the reserve program. Thus, these alternatives would also establish a new pattern for Naval Reserve ASW squadrons by having reserve helicopters augment operations on active combatants in time of emergency. For ships able to operate two helicopters, a second, reserve LAMPS I would augment the active-duty helicopter routinely assigned to the combatant in peacetime. Other reserve LAMPS I helicopters would be assigned to ships not normally carrying LAMPS. This is consistent with Navy Secretary Lehmans call for improved horizontal integration of active and reserve forces.