Navy technicians cannibalize parts from fighter jets and submarines to maintain readiness

US Navy technicians are cannibalizing parts from fighter jets and submarines to maintain operational readiness. This practice is a direct result of long delays in acquiring necessary spare parts for F/A-18 Super Hornets and Virginia-class submarines, as documented by a Government Accountability Office report. The issue stems from data rights disputes with manufacturers, impacting five major Defense Department programs including the F-35, LCS, and Stryker.