When supply system shortfalls led to a work stoppage on two H-53 heavy-lift helicopters at Fleet Readiness Center East, the depot’s manufacturing and engineering teams stepped up to close the gap. 

Fleet Readiness Center East employees rolled up their sleeves to support National Blood Donor Month January 24, when the depot hosted a blood drive on behalf of the Armed Services Blood Program. FRCE employees responded enthusiastically, with more than 50 people giving blood.

ASBP arrived at the depot with two modified recreational vehicles containing all the equipment and people required to hold a full-scale blood drive. FRCE employees registered in advance to fill the available appointment slots, and walk-in donations were accepted as well.

Maddie Dunton has always been a tinkerer. As a child, she enjoyed spending time with her father in their garage, helping him build wood furniture and work on the family car. In middle school, Maddie built an electronics lab in her walk-in closet.

These days, this third-generation Fleet Readiness Center East employee puts her problem-solving skills to the test as a quality engineer on the V-22 Osprey aircraft line. Here, Dunton works to continuously improve production processes to better ensure the quality and safety of the products FRCE services and provides back to the fleet.

Fleet Readiness Center East recently hosted the first-ever U.S. trials for a new cold spray technology application and saw promising results, program officials said. If approved, the new cold spray technology would help reduce turnaround times and decrease costs for repairs that were previously not possible using existing, approved cold spray systems.

When issues arise with an F-35 Lightning II, a team of highly skilled aircraft maintenance professionals stands ready to rise to the challenge and get the jet back in the fight. Whether the aircraft requires in-service repair or battle damage needs mending, the F-35 Rapid Response Team (RRT) is ready to pack up and go.

Fleet Readiness Center East has long demonstrated a strong commitment to workforce safety – and now the depot can fly a flag that proves it.

Officials from the U.S. Navy and Occupational Safety and Health Administration gathered Dec. 3 at Miller’s Landing for a ceremony recognizing FRCE’s designation as an OSHA Voluntary Protection Program Star Worksite. Kim Morton, OSHA area director for North and South Carolina, presented FRCE Commanding Officer Capt. Mark Nieto with a plaque and the coveted red, white and blue flag that indicates FRC East’s Star status.

More than 110 leaders and stakeholders from within the Naval Aviation Enterprise gathered to identify and attack issues affecting Marine Corps and naval aviation readiness during a Boots on the Ground event held here Dec. 5.

What really happens in the shops and hangars at Fleet Readiness Center East? How do the depot’s aircraft maintenance professionals, engineers and support staff keep aircraft flying for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps? And can anyone make protective eyewear look cool?

During his first official visit to Fleet Readiness Center East, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper focused his attention on FRCE’s future capabilities and workforce development.

The governor met with FRCE leadership Nov. 12 to discuss the depot’s role in the evolution of Navy and Marine Corps aviation. While aboard the facility, he toured the depot to get a firsthand look at aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul operations, and meet with several members of the workforce.

Fleet Readiness Center East employees who come up with a money-saving idea have a chance to earn a portion of that savings, under the depot’s Beneficial Suggestion Program. Leaders credit the program with generating cost-saving ideas while it rewards suggestors for their innovation and hard work.