Navy Ship Maintenance: Fire Prevention Improvements Hinge on Stronger Contractor Oversight , December , 2025
Navy Ship Maintenance: Fire Prevention Improvements Hinge on Stronger Contractor Oversight , December , 2025
From the report: “The Navy has suffered significant losses from 13 fires on ships undergoing maintenance since 2008. The Navy investigated these fires, including one on board the USS Bonhomme Richard in 2020. Based on actions taken since that fire, the Navy has improved fire safety and culture in the Navy and among contractors—contributing to no major fires since 2020.
However, staffing shortages threaten progress and oversight. GAO found that key organizations responsible for fire safety oversight have personnel shortages. Such shortages limit the Navy’s oversight of fire safety standards and add a burden for sailors who are balancing other duties.
Further, the Navy did not fully assess challenges with contractor oversight. In reviewing the Navy’s key oversight tools, GAO found that these tools do not effectively address contractor compliance with fire safety standards during ship maintenance periods:”
Authors - Government Accountability Office (GAO)Related Resources
