What type of maintenance is aimed at preventing equipment failure before it occurs?

Preventive maintenance is specifically designed to prevent equipment failure before it occurs. This approach involves systematic inspections, adjustments, and replacements aimed at keeping equipment in optimal operating condition, thereby reducing the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns. By proactively addressing potential issues, preventive maintenance helps to extend the lifespan of equipment and improve reliability, which is critical in maintaining operational readiness in a Navy context.

Scheduled maintenance, while related to preventive maintenance, refers to the timing of maintenance tasks that are performed at regular intervals. Preventive maintenance encompasses a broader range of activities focused on preventing failures rather than just adhering to a specific schedule. Reactive and corrective maintenance, on the other hand, occur after equipment has failed and do not contribute to preventing the failure in the first place, highlighting the distinct and critical purpose of preventive maintenance.