An era has officially come to an end. Now that the Marine Corps has officially retired the AV-8B Harrier II, let’s look back at Fleet Readiness Center East’s 50-year legacy of supporting the platform that revolutionized military aviation.
What started as a routine inspection on a KC-130J Hercules at Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) quickly turned into a coordinated, cross-functional team effort to repair and return the aircraft to the fleet on time.
Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) is marking a new era of aircraft sustainment with the delivery of its first flight-certified metal additive manufactured parts to the fleet, significantly improving aircraft downtime and flight line readiness.
A recent collaboration with the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Additive Manufacturing Team and Fleet Support Teams has allowed the Advanced Technology and Innovation Team at FRCE to develop processes and obtain certification to use metal additive manufacturing to create its first non-flight-critical aircraft parts.
Fleet Readiness Center East recently reached a major milestone in support of warfighter readiness, decreasing the turnaround time of a CH-53E Super Stallion by 14% for a faster return to the fleet. This accomplishment represents significant turning point in the depot’s support of the heavy-lift community, showcasing the FRCE’s dedication to operational excellence and relentless pursuit of faster, more efficient solutions for the platform.
NAVAIR personnel kicked off Tuesday at Sea-Air-Space Exposition 2026 with “Start with the Fleet: Readiness, Capability, Speed,” a panel led by NAVAIR Commander Vice Adm. John E. Dougherty IV, who was joined by Rear Adm. Todd Evans, Commander, Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division and chief engineer with NAVAIR; Vice Commander Capt. Joseph Hidalgo, representing Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers (COMFRC); and Paul McGinty, director of the NAVAIR Rapid Capability Cell.
Dougherty began the panel by laying out NAVAIR’s highest priorities.
Local leaders from Carteret County communities visited Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) recently to learn more about the depot’s current operations and plans for future expansion.
Some people are assigned the role of mentor, while others simply become one. For Katie Graf, mentorship has never been a box to check or a title to hold – it’s a natural extension of who she is. That instinctive commitment to helping others succeed is what earned her the 2025 Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) Mentor of the Year Award.
At a ceremony on Jan. 21, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) announced its 2025 Supervisor of the Year Award winners, recognizing one recipient from each of its 11 sites.
Anthony Harris, an aircraft overhaul and repair supervisor on Fleet Readiness Center Southeast’s (FRCSE) T-6 Texan II production line, received the NAVAIR accolade for FRCSE. There were 59 other nominees from across the command.
At a ceremony on Jan. 21, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) announced its 2025 Mentor of the Year Award winners, recognizing one recipient from each of its 11 sites.
Rodney McQueen, supervisor of preventive maintenance for Fleet Readiness Center Southeast’s (FRCSE) plant maintenance division, received the NAVAIR accolade for FRCSE.
