Inspector General Robert P. Storch announced today that the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (DoD OIG) released an unclassified summary of the “Audit of the Test and Evaluation of CH-53K Helicopter Survivability.” The audit assessed the Department of the Navy’s test and evaluation of the CH-53K helicopter’s survivability against munitions.
“The CH-53K offers an invaluable capability for our military in execution of critical missions in demanding environments,” said IG Storch. “This report should assist the Department of the Navy in reevaluating the planning and execution of the CH-53K live-fire test and evaluation strategies. Timely implementation of audit recommendations is vital to ensuring the CH-53K and other acquisition programs plan and execute live fire testing according to applicable requirements.”
The DoD OIG made four recommendations to improve the planning and execution of live-fire test and evaluation to the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation; Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development, and Acquisition); Marine Corps Deputy Commandant for Aviation; and Program Manager, Heavy Lift Helicopters Program Office. The recommendations included reevaluating the scope and cost of CH-53K live fire testing and implementing controls to ensure future acquisition programs comply with live fire testing requirements.
The full report contains Controlled Unclassified Information, and a redacted version is not available. To file a Freedom of Information Act request, please submit a request to FOIA.gov.