Analysis of Fuel Connector Usage

In a variety of expeditionary missions, it is critical for the Marine Corps to transport fuel ashore to the right place at the right time in a threat environment. We focus on traditional connector systems that originate from the sea base (e.g., from LHDs and LSDs): LCACs, LCUs, MV-22, CH53E. The goal of this project is to determine an acceptable mix of connectors to deliver fuel ashore quickly and safely to satisfy demand for fuel in a threat environment. We formulate several models to examine the problem from different decision making levels. The first model takes an operational level approach to evaluate what portfolio of connectors the sea base should have to efficiently deliver fuel ashore on a day-to-day basis. Our main result is the importance of having a robust set of surface connectors such as LCACs and LCUs in the portfolio. While air connectors (MV-22 and CH53E) are fast, they are costly and much more unreliable. The results from this model could be useful for MAGTF planners to develop estimates of supportability for future operations, such as determining equipment shortfalls, fuel choke points, and sortie requirements. The second model we develop takes a more tactical approach to the problem by scheduling the daily sorties of connectors. Given the connectors available to deliver fuel each day and the current day’s demand for fuel at many locations on land, we generate a minute-by-minute schedule for the connectors. The results from this project can provide important decision support for commanders as this planning process can take a significant amount of time and manpower.