Officials from the Department of War, Department of the Navy and the state of North Carolina cut the ribbon on a state-of-the-art repair complex at the North Carolina Global TransPark Sept. 17, significantly boosting Fleet Readiness Center East’s (FRCE) ability to deliver mission-ready aircraft to warfighters.

The new facility expands FRCE’s maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities for three key defense platforms: Navy C/KC-130T Hercules, Marine Corps C/KC-130J Super Hercules and Air Force HH-60W Jolly Green II aircraft. 

Colonel Steven Puckett was relieved by Colonel Doug Lee as program manager for Tactical Airlift Program Office (PMA-207) in a traditional Change of Command ceremony on May 28. The Change of Command custom is rich in Naval tradition symbolizing passing the responsibility of command from one officer to another reflects the dedication of free men and women serving their nation proudly.

The new Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul facility at the North Carolina Global TransPark in Kinston hit another milestone April 15 when the Navy officially signed a lease agreement for the property.

The agreement with the state of North Carolina provides FRCE with 65 acres at the Global TransPark, paving the way for the command’s maintenance support of Navy and Marine Corps C/KC-130 Hercules/Super Hercules transport aircraft and Air Force HH-60W Jolly Green II search and rescue helicopters, scheduled to begin in September.

The annual Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) Commanders Awards were held August 13 at NAS Patuxent River. During the event, three program executive office (PEO) air, anti-submarine warfare, assault, and special mission (A) program offices (PMA) were among the eight winners.

The event was presided over by Rear Adm. Todd Evans, NAWCAD Commander.

The ever-enduring C-130 Hercules celebrated 70 years of unwavering service last year. Since its inception in 1954, the Hercules continues to be used in over 70 countries with more than a million flight hours and growing.

Seven decades ago, the C-130 had an original usage as a medium cargo plane able to land in short, confined runways. As the mission and needs of the fleet changed, the aircraft moved into providing tactical airlift, humanitarian aid, air support, and various mission support across the globe.

Program Executive Office, Air Anti-submarine Warfare, Assault, and Special Mission Programs (PEO(A)) welcomed its new program executive officer, Brig. Gen. David Walsh, in a change of command ceremony on June 27. Gary Kurtz, the outgoing PEO(A) executive officer, retired from government service after 40 years with Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and Naval Air Warfare Center, Aircraft Division (NAWCAD).

U.S. Marines flying a CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter transported an F-35C Lightning II airframe from the F-35 Integrated Test Force at Patuxent River (Pax ITF) to a Navy unit located at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, April 24.

Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) will expand its support of military aviators when the depot takes on maintenance, repair and overhaul duties for Navy and Marine Corps C/KC-130J Super Hercules and C/KC-130T Hercules aircraft. Navy officials announced March 17 that FRCE will serve as the designated repair point for the platform. The depot could begin the new workload as soon as the end of fiscal year 2026.

Program Executive Office Air Anti-Submarine Warfare, Assault, and Special Mission Programs (PEO (A)) welcomed new leadership in a brief ceremony July 29 at the Pentagon.

Maj. Gen. Greg Masiello transferred leadership to Mr. Gary Kurtz with Mr. Tommy Ross, performing the duties of the assistant secretary of the Navy (ASN) research, development and acquisition (RDA) presiding over the event.

“I just want to say thank you for your leadership. Thank you for everything you've done for the Navy,” said Ross.

The Tactical Airlift Program Office (PMA-207) coordinated the donation and delivery of a full-sized C-130 training cockpit to the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum.