On Thursday, April 29, Fleet Readiness Center Southeast (FRCSE) hosted its first Boots on the Ground (BoG) event of 2021 onboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville. The BoG was scaled down to a “micro” event because of lingering concerns over COVID-19.

BoGs are conducted Navy-wide across all aviation commands, as the only exception for this event was the scale of attendees. While leaders from various organizations within the Naval Aviation Enterprise tour the facility, depot-level personnel are presented with an opportunity to both express concerns and flex successes.

Fleet Readiness Center Southeast (FRCSE) recently implemented various continuous process improvements (CPI) within the command’s Bonded Material Storeroom (BMS), saving the depot approximately $101,800, and helping to supply materials for 22 Golden Tickets. The new CPI methods streamlined processes and distribution across the storage area. 

A lot of magic happens in the BMS. This area operates as a central hub, receiving all raw materials required for manufacturing processes. 

Fleet Readiness Center Southeast's (FRCSE) T-6 Production Line was recognized with the NAVAIR Commander's Award for Best Performing Production Line March 31.

NAVAIR Commander Vice Adm. Dean Peters presented FRCSE with the award during a virtual event live-streamed from NAVAIR Headquarters in Patuxent River, Md. This year marked the 21st annual observance of the awards, which recognize teams that improve speed and readiness within Naval aviation.

U.S. Navy Capt. Grady G. Duffey, Jr. relieved U.S. Marine Corps Col. Frederick G. Schenk as the 44th commanding officer of Fleet Readiness Center Southeast (FRCSE) during a change of command ceremony at Naval Air Station Jacksonville on Apr. 22.

Schenk was the first Marine to lead FRCSE in the depot's more than 80-year history.

Though the small, intimate gathering was due to ongoing concerns related to COVID-19, it did seem fitting, as Schenk is not one for publicity despite a highly successful career and outstanding tenure at FRCSE.

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.”  

Fleet Readiness Center Southeast (FRCSE) recently stepped up to support nationwide COVID-19 containment efforts through the production of nasopharyngeal swabs. The nasal swabs are printed batch by batch using the depot's HP Jet Fusion 4200 3D printer.

FRCSE is just one of the organizations helping to spearhead these efforts. From proof-of-concept determinations to training and technical issues, several heavy-hitting governmental bodies are involved in the process, offering guidance that provides the type of support required for such a significant undertaking.

Fleet Readiness Center Southeast (FRCSE) has completed its first aircraft condition inspection (ACI) on an Air Force T-6, marking another historic first for the depot in its long history of unwavering service to the nation's military forces.

FRCSE inducted the trainer aircraft on Aug. 26, 2020, and completed its ACI, strip and paint on Jan. 29, 2021 in just over five short months. 

Steven Spielberg once said this about mentoring: “The delicate balance of mentoring someone is not creating them in your own image, but giving them the opportunity to create themselves.”

No one understands these ideals better than Joshua Dowler, the 2020 Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) National Mentor of the Year Award winner for FRCSE, and Fleet Readiness Center Southeast’s (FRCSE) 2020 Dora Quinlan Mentor Award winners, Savanna Massey and Aviation Electrician’s Mate 1st Class Brian Woolford.

As the apprenticeship program at Fleet Readiness Center Southeast (FRCSE) enters its second year, the depot recently welcomed its newest class of 57 apprentices at the Ramada Inn Mandarin in Jacksonville, Florida.

The relationship between these eager, young recruits and FRCSE is mutually beneficial. While apprentices are poised to receive a permanent position in the federal workforce after finishing the combination in-class and hands-on schooling, FRCSE workers' median age will begin to reflect a younger demographic.

Cmdr. Michael A. Polito, Officer in Charge of Fleet Readiness Center Southeast (FRCSE) Detachment (Det.) Jacksonville (Jax) and Cmdr. Wilfred H. Judd III, incoming Officer in Charge, stand face-to-face ready to conduct a change of charge ceremony to a mostly empty room.

Amidst COVID-19 almost everything at FRCSE has changed — including the long-standing change of charge, a ceremony that can see upwards of hundreds of attendees. Even though this event lacks handshakes, families and pats on the back, the spirit and honor of the day isn’t dulled.