COMFRC Honors Plank Owners

On April 9, 2008, Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers (COMFRC) honored 69 plank owners and over 100 individuals from the FRC enterprise and the Naval Aviation Enterprise (NAE). The ceremony, presided by John Johns, acting COMFRC, was held at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md. with guest speaker Vice Admiral David Venlet, commander, Naval Air Systems Command.

"Every person here today is responsible for the stand-up of Fleet Readiness Centers," said Johns. "And by doing so, created a radically new maintenance organization."

Though not an official Navy term, plank owners are members of a ship’s first crew at the time of commissioning. FRC plank owners are members of the COMFRC staff who were present when the command became operational in October 2006. For their contributions to the establishment of COMFRC, Johns presented each plank owner a command coin and an honorary certificate to commemorate plank ownership. He also unveiled a command plaque engraved with each plank owner's name.

The awards program also included a presentation of command coins to individuals from across the FRC enterprise and the NAE for contributions that enabled the stand up and early operation of COMFRC. “We would not be standing here today if it weren’t for your courage to ask the tough questions, your resolve to make some hard choices and your unwavering dedication to Naval Aviation,” said Johns during the awards presentation. Johns recognized several teams from across the NAE, including Rear Admiral Matthew Moffit on behalf of the Fleet Readiness Division (OPNAV N43) and Rear Admiral Michael Roesner on behalf of the Naval Inventory Control Point team.

The stand-up of FRCs represents the most significant change in Naval aviation maintenance in over 50 years. Established in October 2006, FRCs integrate intermediate and depot level aircraft maintenance in compliance with the Base Realignment and Closure law of 2005. By co-locating depot artisans with intermediate maintenance technicians, FRCs are repairing aircraft, engines, and components faster than ever before while saving the Navy $1.2 billion dollars by 2011.

In his remarks, Venlet said, "No one is doing what you are doing — in any other service or enterprise or nation. The bringing together of two off-flightline levels of aircraft maintenance into one coordinated body is far more significant than a mere organizational change. Congratulations on this powerful beginning."