An Analysis of the Effectiveness of a New Watchstanding Schedule for U.S. Submariners

Abstract

Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instruction, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Washington 12b. DISTRIBUTION CODE ABSTRACT (maximum 200 words)This study compares an experimental watchstanding schedule derived at Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory (NSMRL) with the schedule currently used onboard the submarine USS HENRY M. JACKSON (SSBN 730 GOLD). It analyzes subjective and objective data to determine if the new schedule is compatible in an operational submarine environment. This study reviews sleep and fatigue literature to emphasize important concepts needed to make schedule comparisons. Results from this study indicate a need exists among the U.S. submarine force to employ an operational schedule which provides more sleep and which is in better alignment with human circadian rhythms, thus improving cognitive effectiveness. One of the experimental schedules tested in this study yielded results similar to those of the existing submarine watchstanding schedule. This experimental schedule employed a validated model of human performance and fatigue to assess individual cognitive effectiveness. However, the results also indicate that the existing schedule is better suited in its accommodation of operational scheduling constraints which, in turn, allow watchstanders to receive more sleep. Recommendations address the need for the U.S. submarine force to continue to pursue a watchstanding schedule that provides better sleep while still accommodating operational constraints. Recommendations also address improvements in experiment implementation which can be integrated into future studies. NUMBER OF PAGES 99 SUBJECT TERMS AN ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A NEW WATCHSTANDING SCHEDULE FOR U.S. SUBMARINERSChristopher M. Osborn Lieutenant, United States Navy B.S., Auburn University, 1997 Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE IN OPERATIONS RESEARCHfrom the NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL September 2004Author: Christopher M. Osborn