FRC-SE News Release
Fleet Readiness Center, Southeast
Jacksonville, Florida 32212-0016
(904) 542-3267 DSN 942-3267
FAX (904) 542-5866
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Point of Contact: Nancy L. Crook, Public Affairs Division Director Release No. 07-01
(904) 542-3168, extension 161

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 23, 2006

Naval Air Depot, Jacksonville transitions to Fleet Readiness Center, Southeast
By Frank Taormina, Public Affairs Specialist

On October 20, 2006 Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers (COMFRC) held a ceremony to stand-up Fleet Readiness Center, Southeast (FRC-SE) aboard Naval Air Station, Jacksonville. In transitioning to FRC-SE, the former Naval Air Depot, Jacksonville has completed its most significant change in the 66 years it has been doing business. Becoming a Fleet Readiness Center is more than just a name change. The stand-up has established a partnership of aviation maintenance teams which includes intermediate-level technicians and depot-level artisans.
“We are embarking on the most significant and aggressive transformation in naval aviation maintenance in decades,” said Rear Adm. Michael Hardee, Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers (COMFRC). “Partnering up our military and civilian maintainers to create FRCs creates the kind of “All Star” team naval aviation needs for greater efficiency, agility, and velocity of operations.”
FRC-SE includes aviation maintenance detachments at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Naval Station Mayport, and Key West Naval Air Station. Brunswick Naval Air Station, which is slated to close, will also merge its aviation maintenance detachment with FRC-SE as Brunswick’s air wing relocates to Jacksonville. In addition, private sector partners are bringing additional workload and investment to FRC-SE due to its proven track record of being a reliable and cost effective producer.
“It’s fitting that we’re here at Jacksonville today for the stand-up of the Southeast FRC. Many firsts in naval aviation have occurred here in the Jacksonville area and today that spirit lives on with another first that will ensure our naval aviation enterprise continues to excel in supporting Fleet operations while shaping our Navy for another century of service,” said Rear Adm. H. Denby Starling II, Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet. You’re delivering aircraft ready for tasking faster and with greater reliability than ever before, and equally as important, you’re reducing the total cost of doing so for the Navy.”
In 2005 the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission called for the establishment of Fleet Readiness Centers in an effort to integrate Naval Air Depots (NADEPs) and the Continental United States (CONUS) Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Detachments (AIMDs) into a consolidated organization for shore-based, off-flight line maintenance. This successful venture eliminates duplicative maintenance practices, decreases turnaround time (TAT), and enables the FRCs to support the Warfighter by maintaining a higher level of combat-ready aircraft at a reduced cost. In February 2006 the Naval Aviation Enterprise Board of Directors approved this concept of operations, which was developed by the Naval Air Systems Command’s (NAVAIR) Commander for Aviation Depots. In August 2006 the Office of the Secretary of Defense approved the FRC business plan.
FRC-SE is the third of five FRCs to stand up following the establishment of COMFRC. The other FRCs include FRC West, Northwest, Mid-Atlantic, and East.
Upon accepting command of FRC-SE from Rear Adm. Hardee, Capt. John W. Scanlan II stated, “Getting things done means that each and every one of us must make a commitment to maintain total focus on delivering our product. We will not forget our purpose or our mission. The men and women of Fleet Readiness Center, Southeast are committed to excellence and prepared to accept the responsibilities involved with the new voyage.”

– USN –