The Fleet Readiness Center East workforce rarely encounters a problem that can’t be solved through teamwork, innovation and a little bit of elbow grease.

Fleet Readiness Center East hosted Sen. Thom Tillis and Rep. Greg Murphy for a June 2 visit to the depot’s H-1 Aircraft Rework Facility at the North Carolina Global TransPark in Kinston.

FRCE Commanding Officer Col. Thomas A. Atkinson discussed with the legislators potential partnerships that could facilitate workload expansion opportunities both at FRCE’s Global TransPark facility and within the depot’s footprint at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point.

Fleet Readiness Center East hosted Sec. Walter Gaskin of the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs May 20 for a brief visit focused on FRCE operations and veteran participation in the depot’s workforce. 

Two groups of Fleet Readiness Center East apprentices celebrated success during a graduation ceremony held May 20 at the Craven Community College New Bern campus.

The apprentices earned certificates in industrial systems technology, recognizing their completion of the academic portion of the National Apprenticeship Program. The four-year program – governed nationally by Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers – offers participants the opportunity to work as full-time federal employees, receiving pay and benefits as they pursue a combination of education and on-the-job training.

Command of Fleet Readiness Center East returned to a Marine Corps officer as Col. Thomas A. Atkinson assumed leadership of the facility in a brief ceremony held May 7.

Capt. Mark E. Nieto, the first Navy officer to take the helm of the depot, formally transferred authority and responsibility for the depot to Atkinson in a short, in-office change of command ceremony led virtually by acting Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers Capt. Christopher Couch.

Fleet Readiness Center East hosted leaders from Naval Air Systems Command April 28 to discuss issues affecting aviation and personnel readiness, including turnaround time reduction, dynamic planning and organization, as well as receive feedback on recent training initiatives.

Aircraft maintenance professionals with Fleet Readiness Center East’s F-35 Rapid Response Team play a critical role in keeping the Marine Corps’ F-35B Lightning II fleet healthy. 

In support of this goal, FRCE’s F-35 Rapid Response Team (RRT) recently conducted simultaneous deployments to Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, and aboard the USS Makin Island, underway in the Arabian Sea. RRT maintainers inspected and repaired 12 F-35B aircraft, all in under 40 days – including travel, precautionary restriction of movement and workdays.

The winners of the NAVAIR Commander’s Awards were recognized virtually at the 21st annual awards ceremony March 31 for delivering capability faster, improving readiness and providing innovative technologies and business solutions.

“You have demonstrated that boldness, creativity and leadership that are the building blocks of our mission-aligned organization,” said NAVAIR Commander Vice Adm. Dean Peters. “Thank you for setting the bar high, and congratulations for a job well done. You have accomplished so much under the unprecedented environment of this last year.”  

Aviation Electronics Technician 1^st Class Maria English, a petty officer first class attached to Fleet Readiness Center East Detachment McGuire, recently earned the title of 2020 Navy Reserve Force Shore Sailor of the Year. The Navy Reserve announced the award March 22 on behalf of Chief of Navy Reserve and Commander, Navy Reserve Force Vice Adm. John Mustin.

A marked decrease in turnaround times earned Fleet Readiness Center East’s T64 engine production team recognition during a Naval Air Systems Command ceremony March 31.

NAVAIR Commander Vice Adm. Dean Peters presented FRCE with the NAVAIR Commander’s Award for Best Performing Fleet Readiness Center Shop during a virtual event live-streamed from NAVAIR Headquarters in Patuxent River, Maryland. This year marked the 21st annual observance of the awards, which recognize teams that improve speed and readiness within naval aviation.