How does a Marine Corps unit train to recover a downed fighter, when no downed fighter is available to recover? At Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE), a unique depot training asset helped Marines gain real-world experience in recovering a damaged F-35B Lightning II without risking harm to an operational aircraft.

Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) celebrated the completion of its F-35 Lightning II expansion project with an informal ribbon cutting ceremony Jan. 14.

The expansion project offers space and aircraft bays to support the increasing F-35 modification workload.

Commanding Officer Capt. Randy Berti said this milestone will directly enhance the depot’s capabilities and strengthen the nation’s defense system.

In celebration of the upcoming holiday season, Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) civilian, military and contractor personnel have come together to support a collection benefitting Toys for Tots, a nationwide, not-for-profit organization that collects and distributes toys to families in need during the holidays.

Following the delivery of the depot’s final AV-8B Harrier in September, Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) recently completed its last F402 engine maintenance event, delivering the finished product to the fleet Oct. 28.

Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) marked a milestone in its support of the F-35 Lightning II program when the depot recently inducted and completed modifications on its 150th F-35 and returned the aircraft to the Fleet.

FRCE is the lead site for depot-level maintenance on the F-35B Lightning II and has conducted modifications and repair on the Marine Corps’ short takeoff-vertical landing variant of the aircraft since 2013. The depot has also worked with the F-35A (conventional takeoff and landing) and F-35C (carrier) variants.

The Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) F-35 Lightning II aircraft modification line continues to grow with the recent addition of a new storage system that will improve safety and efficiency.

As part of the F-35 modification line’s transformation efforts, FRCE has installed three new vertical lift modules – also referred to as vertical stackers – that act as a centralized storage unit for aircraft parts and components. The system effectively consolidates items that have traditionally been stored in various areas throughout the facility.

Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) met a new milestone with the induction of its first Navy CMV-22B Osprey for maintenance Aug. 21. With receipt of this aircraft, the depot now services all three variants of the V-22 platform, which also include the Marine Corps MV-22B and the Air Force CV-22.

A Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) engineer recently earned the title of the command’s 2024 Supervisor of the Year for his efforts to improve productivity, efficiency and team morale by emphasizing open communication, employee empowerment and work-life balance.

Naval Aviation Systems Command (NAVAIR) recognized FRCE Supervisor of the Year Michael Wagoner and 11 other Supervisors of the Year from across the enterprise during a virtual award ceremony held Oct. 24. The 12 site winners were chosen from almost 100 nominations, including five from FRCE.

Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) marked the end of an era with the completion of its final AV-8B Harrier maintenance event, delivering the aircraft to Marine Attack Squadron 223 onboard Marine Air Station Cherry Point Sept. 26.

Capt. Randy J. Berti assumed command of Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) from Capt. James M. Belmont during a change of command ceremony Sept. 12.

For Belmont, a Chicago, Illinois, native, the ceremony marked the conclusion of his military career; the outgoing FRCE commanding officer will be retiring following 30 years of service.