Another is its complexity. Another factor is the cost of parts to make repairs. Sometimes the best decision is to do minimal maintenance, because a system will soon be taken out of the inventory. All of these factors are considered in managing the maintenance workload, assigning priorities and making budget decisions. Overall, sufficient resources are on hand to fund our maintenance and spare parts programs.
Sailors recognize the age, serviceability and future utility of ship and aircraft systems.
When assets are approaching the end of useful life, the Navy must have a plan for replacement rather than simply working maintenance technicians harder. Working Sailors harder to maintain equipment that they know should be retired is demoralizing, and indicative of poor business practices. Cannibalization is sometimes a factor, especially with older air and sea systems in the fleet's planes and ships. This is a special interest of the committee. It's also a special interest of every maintenance technician in the fleet.