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DESIGN AND ANALYSIS OF A F/A-18 FLEET REPLACEMENT SQUADRON SIMULATION MODEL
No full textDue to maintenance problems, extreme weather, lack of qualified instructor pilots, and other issues in the Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA) pipeline and Fleet Replacement Squadrons (FRS), qualified U.S. Naval Aviators are not being produced at the required amount. To support Fleet operations in an increasingly contested near-peer environment, CNATRA and the FRS need to consistently produce high quality Naval Aviators at the required pilot production rate. The F/A-18 FRS is currently searching for new ways to increase their production of pilots without sacrificing the quality of flight training received. Past research has developed a comprehensive discrete-event simulation model for the F/A-18 FRS which models the usage of instructor pilots and aircraft. The first contribution of this thesis is to extend this F/A-18 FRS simulation to model instructor qualifications, as the lack of qualified instructors for specific flight events can lead to training delays. The second contribution is to conduct a Design of Experiments (DOE) varying the instructor and resource levels to identify the key input parameters that affect overall production of replacement pilots (RPs), while balancing cost and resource constraints.Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Ensign, United States NavyNPS Naval Research ProgramThis project was funded in part by the NPS Naval Research Program
SOCIAL MEDIA ANALYSIS OF INFLUENCE OPERATIONS IN THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR
No full textSince Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, social media platforms like Telegram have become critical battlegrounds for information warfare, yet research lacks comparative analysis of how both sides use emotional appeals in their messaging strategies. This study examines how Russia and Ukraine deploy fear-based narratives on Telegram channels to shape public opinion during conflict. Using natural language processing to analyze 2 million posts from 40 high-impact channels before and after the conflict, this research tested whether Russian channels contained more fear content than Ukrainian ones. Contrary to expectations, Ukrainian channels exhibited higher overall fear content, while Russian political channels contained significantly more fear messaging than Russian news channels—a pattern reversed in Ukrainian channels. Both countries increased fear content following the invasion, demonstrating how conflict events shape narrative strategies regardless of intent. Statistical analysis confirms these patterns are significant. These findings challenge prevailing models of Russian information warfare and reveal sophisticated channel-specific messaging strategies. Security planners can apply these insights to prepare for similar dynamics in other potential conflict zones like the Taiwan Strait by implementing channel-specific monitoring, developing media literacy programs, and creating cross-channel analysis tools to maintain information resilience during crises.Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Maj, Taiwan Marine Corp
ENHANCED THERMAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF COMPOSITE MATRICES FOR COLD-WATER DIVING SUITS
No full textNavy divers are essential to the operational readiness of the fleet, supporting underwater ship maintenance, deep-sea salvage, and mission-critical operations in times of national crisis. However, their effectiveness is limited by environmental exposure and risk of physical injury. This research seeks to improve diver performance by developing enhanced wetsuit materials with superior thermal and mechanical properties. Building on prior work at the Naval Postgraduate School, this study incorporated glass, ceramic, and ballistic additives into polymer matrices to create advanced composites. A total of 90 combinations of polymers and additives were evaluated using American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) methods: thermal conductivity (ASTM C518-21), compression (ASTM D575-91), slow-rate penetration (ASTM F1306-21), and custom impact testing. The results identified several combinations that significantly improved insulation, compressive strength, and resistance to both puncture and impact. Challenges in material fabrication and test processes are discussed, along with recommendations to improve manufacturing efficiency. The study concludes by recommending an optimized material formulation suitable for future field testing and potential adoption in next-generation wetsuit designs.Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Lieutenant Commander, United States Nav
ADDRESSING PACFLT’S SURFACE SHIP MAINTENANCE CHALLENGES: LEVERAGING JAPANESE AND SOUTH KOREAN SHIP REPAIR CAPABILITIES TO OVERCOME DOMESTIC CAPACITY CONSTRAINTS
Get PDFThe U.S. Navy’s Pacific Fleet (PACFLT) faces a severe maintenance capacity crisis that threatens its operational readiness in the Indo-Pacific region. This research examines how insufficient domestic ship repair capacity directly contributes to persistent maintenance delays, creating a cascade of operational challenges. Analysis of Government Accountability Office data reveals consistent schedule overruns for surface ship maintenance periods, significantly reducing fleet availability for training and operations. Aging infrastructure, workforce limitations, and insufficient dry dock capacity compound these challenges. While the Navy has initiated domestic improvement programs like the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP), these efforts will require decades to mature fully. This thesis proposes leveraging Japanese and South Korean maritime industrial capabilities to supplement domestic maintenance capacity. Both nations possess world-class shipbuilding and repair industries with demonstrated technical compatibility with U.S. Navy vessels. This approach would address immediate maintenance backlogs while providing time for the revitalization of the domestic industrial base. Implementation challenges include legal, political, and economic considerations. The research concludes that a strategic partnership with these allies offers a possible solution to enhance PACFLT readiness in the near term while supporting the long-term health of the industrial base.Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Outstanding ThesisLieutenant, United States Nav
Faces of NPS: Maj. Michael Cariello Noblit, USMC
No full textFaces of NPS features interviews spotlighting the students, faculty, staff and alumni of our Nation's premier defense education and research institution
CASE STUDY: HOW DO WE PROVIDE A SUITABLE TRAINING PLATFORM TO MARINE RECRUITERS AT THE BASIC RECRUITERS COURSE?
No full textRecruiting top talent for the Marine Corps is a demanding mission and Marine Recruiters rely on foundational training provided at the Basic Recruiting Course (BRC). However, a key shortfall is the lack of instruction on the Marine Corps Recruiting Information Support System (MCRISS), which isn't introduced until recruiters arrive at their first Recruiting Sub-Station (RSS). MCRISS is the system that recruiters use daily to input applicant information, manage their schedules, and track key performance metrics. The absence of MCRISS training in BRC creates a gap, limiting a recruiter's ability to use the system upon reporting to their duty station. This thesis gathers insights from experienced Career Marine Recruiters to identify what MCRISS functionality should be incorporated into BRC training and the IT infrastructure to support it. We anticipate that integrating formal MCRISS training into BRC will enhance Marine Recruiters' ability to perform their mission. Future work may explore the measurable impact of formal MCRISS training in BRC on the overall Marine Corps recruiting mission.Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Major, United States Marine CorpsMarine Corps Recruiting Comman
First-of-its-Kind, Self-Powered Ocean Buoy to Enhance NPS Research and 5G Maritime Communication Applications
No full textTHE IMPACT OF EU MIGRATION POLICIES ON STABILITY AND SECURITY IN THE MIDDLE EAST: ANALYZING THE CONSEQUENCES FOR FRAGILE STATES AMID REGIONAL CONFLICTS
No full textThis thesis investigates how the European Union’s external migration policies affect governance and security dynamics in key host states outside the EU. Against the backdrop of increasing externalization and conditional partnerships, it analyzes Turkey and Jordan—two states hosting large Syrian refugee populations, which are embedded in formal cooperation frameworks such as the EU–Turkey Statement and the Jordan Compact. The research employs a qualitative, theory-informed case study approach grounded in Securitization Theory and the Migration Governance Framework to test two hypotheses: that EU migration cooperation induces both administrative adaptation and institutional strain, and that it reinforces securitized responses with potential destabilizing effects. The findings show that while EU engagement has enhanced short-term administrative capacity and enabled formal coordination, it has also deepened donor dependency, centralized control, and contributed to securitization logics that exacerbate local tensions and regional insecurity. These effects vary by country, refugee group, and policy mechanism but reveal structural risks in the EU’s reliance on external containment strategies. The study concludes that the EU’s current model of migration governance may undermine the long-term resilience and stability of its partner states, particularly when embedded in fragile institutional contexts.Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Oberstleutnant, German Air Forc
EXPLORING PARTICIPATION GAPS IN NAVY VOLUNTARY EDUCATION PROGRAMS: A STUDY OF INFLUENCING FACTORS AND OUTCOMES
No full textThis thesis examines the participation of sailors in the Navy’s Voluntary Education (VOLED) programs, and the drivers behind their participation decisions. To understand VOLED program participation, I analyzed survey data on 1,530 sailors collected by the Navy Education and Training Command (NETC) in 2024. The intent was to explore the various sailor demographics such as rank, duty status, sex, and education level that may affect participation in VOLED programs. I additionally looked at sailors’ satisfaction with the programs and how they feel VOLED helps them with recruiting, retention or their ability to balance their duties.Results indicate that VOLED participants among survey respondents included predominantly higher-ranking sailors, officers, and females. The reasons sailors chose to participate included availability of funding, planning for a future career post-Navy and availability of specific degrees and certificates. Some respondents had not applied because of their work-life schedules, they were not aware of the programs, or due to policy restrictions. More sea duty sailors than shore duty sailors said their work did not give them time to participate. Women were more likely to say VOLED affects their decision of whether to stay in the Navy than men, while officers and those with advanced degrees were less likely.Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Lieutenant, United States Navy Reserv