ACCAM global optimization model for the USCG aviation air stations

A model was created for the United States Coast Guard (USCG) to maximize aircraft fleet operational performance subject to budgetary constraints, or, conversely, to minimize aircraft fleet operational costs subject to performance targets. This is a two-stage model: The first stage, prior work, is a simulation model of each USCG Air Station generating performance metrics resulting from various scenarios. Each scenario is determined by a large number of relevant Air Station attributes, including number and types of stationed aircraft, operational level, historical Search and Rescue mission response, historical maintenance processes, deployment requirements, and other mission requirements. The second stage, the subject of this paper, is an optimization model over the structured set of scenarios to determine the optimal deployment assignments, operational levels and aircraft allocation among all USCG Air Stations, under the current infrastructure. Additionally, the optimization model is used to demonstrate the potential efficiencies of proposed infrastructural changes, namely the introduction of a deployment center.