Category: Defence

Source: United States Navy

Fleet Readiness Center Southeast (FRCSE) achieved two significant milestones in the same week by inducting its first F-35B Lightning II and F135 power module (PM), one of five major modules of the F-35 propulsion system. 

The F-35B, which came from the Flying Leathernecks of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122 (VMFA-122), based out of Yuma, Arizona, arrived at FRCSE on Aug. 7 and the F135 PM on Aug. 9.   

“This is a historic time for FRC Southeast,” said FRCSE’s Commanding Officer, Capt. Al Palmer. “Between welcoming the first F-35 airframe and receiving the first F135 power module, we remain steadfast in our commitment to the Naval Aviation Enterprise. Inducting these products propels FRCSE into a new era of depot-level maintenance and paves the way for current and next-generation products.” 

The timing of the airframe and engine inductions was purely coincidental. However, the back-to-back arrivals were indicative of the progress and effort the command put into preparing to work on these fifth-generation assets.   

While the first F135 PM will go through the planned maintenance process, — disassembly, inspection, repair and reassembly — with an expected completion date of May 2025, the F-35 line is a corrosion speed line designed to quickly and efficiently locate corrosion and address any discovered problem areas.  

“Hitting that 60-day target will allow us to return one aircraft this fiscal year and up to 16 aircraft next fiscal year,” said Savanna Massey, FRCSE’s F-35 production line deputy director. “We’ll eventually get to a cycle where we induct one and return one back to the fleet at the same time. It’s a corrosion speed line, so speed will be the name of the game, but without sacrificing quality.”  

The F-35 induction is part of a more significant effort to support corrosion mitigation efforts for the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) through a process called Production Asset Inspection Requirement (PAIR). FRCSE artisans will conduct these inspections on targeted areas of the aircraft where corrosion may be taking place. 

“A PAIR-II inspection consists of artisans removing a number of panels from the aircraft and inspecting the substructure,” said Tim Duncan, FRCSE’s F-35 general foreman. “If we find corrosion present, we will remove it, treat the aircraft’s surface and reinstall the panels.” 

Preparation for the highly technical jet began years ago with the establishment of the F-35 product line in 2022 and the command’s activation as an F135 Department of Defense second depot source of repair (DSOR) in 2020. However, both teams had to undergo extensive training to accommodate the new products.  

Since the F-35 line was established, the 60 artisans and support staff have not only received extensive education and training on the aircraft’s Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS), surface coatings and other areas, but have also had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the F-35 community by traveling to various USMC squadrons and Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE), which has been the lead Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) site for F-35 organic depot-level maintenance since 2013. 

“Being part of the team that established the F-35 line here at FRC Southeast gives the artisans a sense of ownership,” said Brandon Smith, an FRCSE F-35 work lead. “This being a new aircraft and corrosion line for the command, there weren’t any examples for us to utilize, so the team was empowered to collect data and implement best practices from other sites.”  

While the command is excited to receive the fifth-generation aircraft, a shortened timeline meant overcoming hurdles – challenges that the F-35 production line team took in stride.    

“The F-35, being a fifth-generation aircraft, comes with a whole new set of security requirements, which we typically haven’t had to engage here at FRC Southeast while working on some of the legacy platforms,” said Bruce Crooke, FRCSE’s F-35 Production Line Director. “So, there was a learning curve. There are requirements for controlled entry points at the aircraft and electronic security systems that monitor and measure the vibrations of the fencing. There will be visual barriers to prevent seeing the aircraft when it’s opened and panels removed since there are security concerns there as well.” 

Simultaneously, the F135 team has had to conduct extensive training and overcame obstacles to get their team ready to work on this complex engine. 

“Since being named a DSOR, FRCSE F135 artisans successfully executed over 2,600 qualification requirements shared across the Power Module and Mini Modules,” said Aaron Powers, FRCSE’s F135 product line deputy director. “This ensured that FRCSE had a proficient and qualified labor force to execute the newly established workload. The first qualification evolution trained and qualified 23 primary artisans and support group personnel, and this is the team who will execute the initial production workload.” 

As a result of the hard work and preparation to perform maintenance on next-generation components, the F135 team expects huge milestones in the future. 

“We expect F135 production to ramp up through 2034 to the max production requirement, or roughly 600 Mini Modules and 120 Power Modules per year, correlating to about 600,000 man-hours,” said Richard Eveson, FRCSE’s F135 product line director. 

From the moment the Lightning II landed on the flight line at Naval Air Station Jacksonville and taxied toward the ground crew, to the uncrating of the first F135 PM in front of a skilled group of prepared artisans, a surge of tangible excitement has spread through the command. 

“This milestone belongs to all of us,” said Palmer. “Thank you for your unwavering dedication and commitment to our mission, which has undoubtedly led us to this historic moment.” 

As FRCSE looks to the future amid ever-changing fleet requirements, it’s clear that the command will continue to adapt to support military readiness with unwavering dedication and perseverance. 

About Fleet Readiness Center Southeast   

Fleet Readiness Center Southeast (FRCSE) is Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia’s largest maintenance, repair, overhaul and technical services provider, employing approximately 5,000 civilian, military and contract workers. With annual revenue exceeding $1 billion, the organization serves as an integral part of the greater U.S. Navy, Naval Air Systems Command, and Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers by maintaining the combat airpower for America’s military forces. 

Source: United States Navy

Ian Hawkins, a Fleet Readiness Center Southeast (FRCSE) materials engineering supervisor, was recently accepted into the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Fellow Program coordinated by Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division’s (NAWCAD) during an award ceremony held at NAVAIR headquarters in Pawtuxet River, Md.

“This award recognizes the technical accomplishments over my career to improve capability and readiness,” said Hawkins. “The results of my efforts are due to the teams and great teammates I’ve been lucky to work with. I was fortunate to be in positions where I could guide teams on engineering projects and programs to achieve safety and readiness goals for the Navy. Additionally, I’ve been fortunate to work on national efforts with my NAWCAD and FRC counterparts and on international efforts with our ally partners.”

Introduced in the 1980s, the Fellows Program became a NAVAIR program in the 2000s, and NAWCAD re-established it in 2021 after a three-year pause in inductions. Inductees into the Fellow Program are nominated and selected by a team of peers based on their tenure and technical accomplishments in safety and readiness. The program is unique in that it does not have senior leadership.

The Fellow Program has three levels of prestige: Associate Fellows, or the first tier, make up the top three percent of scientists and engineers at NAVAIR. Fellows, the second tier, represents the top three-quarters of a percent and is the level Hawkins has achieved. Finally, Esteemed Fellows make up the top one-quarter of a percent. Each level pulls new members from the tier below, and members are inducted by majority vote.

Hawkins’ primary discipline is nondestructive inspection, or the examination of aircraft and components that does not require taking them apart.

“It’s a privilege to work for the Navy, and I feel like I need to do more and more every day, and that’s the main reason I’m here,” said Hawkins.

About Fleet Readiness Center Southeast 

Fleet Readiness Center Southeast (FRCSE) is Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia’s largest maintenance, repair, overhaul and technical services provider, employing approximately 5,000 civilian, military and contract workers. With annual revenue exceeding $1 billion, the organization serves as an integral part of the greater US Navy, Naval Air Systems Command, and Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers by maintaining the combat airpower for America’s military forces.

Source: United States Navy

Remarks

Good evening, everyone! It is an honor to be here with you today to celebrate the Congressional Sea Services Award and Representative Calvert’s tremendous contributions to our maritime services.

Mr. Callender, thank you for that kind introduction and for your work with the National Capital Council of the Navy League of the United States.

Representative Calvert, thank you for your service as Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense and for your unwavering support of our men and women who proudly wear our Nation’s uniform.

And thank you for your service to California’s 41st District—which I must mention includes Naval Surface Warfare Center Corona Division and is part of the Inland Empire Tech Bridge!

Thank you to our Congressional leadership here tonight for your partnership and support of our Navy and Marine Corps.

Admiral Kilby, Admiral Lunday, and Lieutenant General Adams, thank you for your leadership of our sea services.

I also thank the Navy League of the United States for all that they do, but especially for their advocacy on the issues we face as a maritime nation.

From the very origins of our country’s founding, Americans from all walks of life answered the call to service and swore an oath to the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.

And service is, of course, a privilege—a chance to be a part of something much greater than ourselves and to uphold the values which define us as a nation.

Service to our country and service in the armed forces are not merely jobs or careers—they are fundamental facets of our democracy.

Our Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, Airmen, Guardians, and Coast Guardsmen are deployed and serving around the world every single day.

In the Red Sea, since October 7th, our ships and aircraft have shot down hundreds of missiles and conducted multiple strikes into Houthi-controlled territory to protect innocent merchant shipping.

Our service men and women are deterring Iran’s actions and preventing the Israel-Hamas conflict from escalating into a broader regional conflict.

Our service members form the vanguard of our national defense.

But our warfighters cannot accomplish their mission without the critical partnership between the Department of Navy and Congress.

So I thank Representative Calvert for championing the members of our United States Armed Services and especially our Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen and women who are stationed around the world.

The work you accomplish every day serves a crucial role in shaping our Nation’s military capabilities and priorities.

And the investments we make in our uniformed services go beyond just platforms, technology, and weapons systems.

Our investments also include those in our people—improving quality of service for our service members and their families.

Our people provide the foundational strength of our armed services, and force resilience and readiness begin and end with them.

We cannot be the most capable, lethal, and agile warfighting force in the world without recruiting, retaining, and investing in every American who volunteers to serve both in and out of uniform.

Representative Calvert, thank you for your support of our service members and their families.

I sincerely congratulate you on this very deserving Congressional Sea Services Award.

Thank you, to all of you here tonight, for your support of the men and women of our armed forces.

May God bless our service men and women stationed around the world and in harm’s way.

Thank you.

Source: United States Navy

Remarks

Good afternoon, everyone! It’s wonderful to be here with you today.

Secretary Buttigieg, thank you for your partnership in strengthening our maritime efforts, and most importantly, for your service to our Nation as a Naval Officer.

Congresswoman Scanlon, thank you for your partnership and support of our maritime services.

Administrator Phillips, I appreciate your partnership not only now, but also all those years ago when we were commissioning commanding officers of guided-missile destroyers. I’m proud to serve alongside you once again.

President Nerbovik, Philly and its shipyard has had a centuries long relationship with the Navy, and is excelling at building the Nation’s first MARAD vessels in over 60 years.

Admiral McDonald, you and your Cadets at Massachusetts Maritime are receiving a great ship to train the merchant mariners our Nation critically needs.

To all of our distinguished guests and visitors, thank you for being here for the christening of the National Security Multi-Mission Vessel PATRIOT STATE.

Securing America’s maritime prosperity is not a new mission—it is our founding mission.

Last fall, I announced a call for a new National Maritime Statecraft to prevail in an era of intense strategic competition.

Maritime Statecraft encompasses a whole-of-government effort to restore the maritime capabilities of the United States.

Last year, Secretary Buttigieg, Administrator Phillips, and I met at DOT headquarters to begin laying key groundwork for interagency collaboration, and our collective efforts have catapulted the importance of restoring America’s comprehensive maritime power to the top of the national agenda.

The innovative construction and management techniques that have driven the success of the N-S-M-V acquisition program provide valuable lessons for the Federal Government Shipbuilding Council that Administrator Phillips and I inaugurated last year. 

These advances will benefit the at-sea training of the future leaders of our United States Merchant Marine including the Cadets at Massachusetts Maritime Academy.

I thank all those who answered the Nation’s call to service to ensure we remain the most dominant maritime force in the world.

Your contributions to our shipbuilding industry and maritime training are vital to our Maritime Statecraft.

Thank you, Secretary Buttigieg, for having me today.

May God bless our Sailors, Marines, civilian Mariners, our shipbuilders, and all those who support them.

Source: United States Navy

Thank You/Introduction

Good morning, everyone! It is an absolute honor to be here with you today in Pensacola, Florida—“The Cradle of Naval Aviation”—to commission our fleet’s newest warship, the USS Richard M. McCool, Jr. (LPD 29), the first ship named in honor of Medal of Honor recipient Captain Richard M. McCool, Jr, United States Navy.

Congressman Gaetz, thank you for your partnership and collaboration in supporting the thousands of Sailors, Marines, civilians, and their families who are stationed and train here in Pensacola to defend our nation across all domains in which we operate.

Mayor Reeves, thank you for joining us today and for your support of our service men and women in this great city.

Admiral Franchetti and General Mahoney, thank you both for your presence here today, and for your leadership of our Navy-Marine Corps team.

This warship before us represents the combined power of our two naval services, and so it is fitting to have leaders from both services here today to welcome it into our Fleet and our Force.

To the crew of USS McCool, the rest of our Navy team, and our partners in industry: thank you for your unwavering support—this commissioning was made possible only by your tireless efforts.

Multi-Ship Procurement Announcement

As 78th Secretary of the Navy, my mission is to provide combat ready forces and capabilities to the President of the United States, Secretary of Defense, and our Combatant Commanders.

And it is inherent within my duties as Secretary to identity and rectify delays within our shipbuilding efforts.

Last fall, I announced my vision for a new National Maritime Statecraft to prevail in an era of intense strategic competition.

Maritime Statecraft encompasses a national, whole-of-government effort to restore the maritime capabilities of the United States.

I have forcefully advocated to revive our Nation’s shipbuilding capabilities and capacity.

And so, today I am proud to publicly announce that the Department of the Navy is pursuing the award of the Amphibious Multi-Ship Procurement Contract for a total of three San Antonio Class amphibious ships—just like USS Richard M. McCool Jr.—along with an America Class amphibious assault ship.

I meet often with industry leaders to discuss the challenges that prevent us from moving forward faster in shipbuilding.

They respond that fluctuations in demand make it difficult to maintain a stable production schedule.

This agreement sends still yet another steady demand signal to our shipbuilding industrial base.

And this agreement also demonstrates the Navy’s commitment to maintaining 31 Amphibious warfare ships and our prudent measures taken with taxpayer funds.

I am proud to make this announcement today, as we—just as CNO says—welcome another “player to the field,” manned by an all-volunteer force of Sailors and Marines, who have dedicated their careers and their lives in service to our nation, much like this ship’s namesake.

Captain Richard M. McCool, Jr.

Like myself and several in the audience today, Captain McCool began his naval service as a Midshipman at the United States Naval Academy, though he joined in 1941, right at the outset of World War II.

While his dream was to be a naval aviator, shortly after his graduation from USNA in 1944, he found himself as the commanding officer of USS LCS 122, a landing craft support ship, leading 65 officers and sailors.

And in the spring of 1945, McCool and his crew found themselves sailing throughout the Pacific Theater, supporting Marines ashore during the Battle of Okinawa.

LCS 122 and her sister ships were charged with guarding the radar picket destroyers stationed off the coast of Okinawa against Japanese kamikaze attacks, armed with rocket launchers and 40mm guns to repel threats from the sky.

But on June 10th, 1945, a kamikaze struck LCS 122 below the conning tower where then-Lieutenant McCool was manning his battle station, knocking him unconscious.

When he came to, he took charge of the situation, coordinating damage control efforts and the evacuation of his crew.

Despite his severe wounds from the blast, including a collapsed lung, he endeavored to rescue as many of his crew as he could who were trapped in blazing compartments.

His actions saved LCS 122—which was returned to service after repairs—as well as a majority of his crew.

For his actions, President Truman presented McCool with the Medal of Honor.

After World War II, Captain McCool continued to serve in our Navy during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, retiring in 1974 after 30 years of honorable service as both a Surface Warfare Officer and Public Affairs Officer.

Even after his retirement from the Navy, Captain McCool continued to serve the Seattle community through volunteer work, as well as serving two terms as a Kitsap County Party chairman.

And while Captain McCool is no longer with us, we take solace in knowing that he is watching over our next generation of naval leaders from his final resting place at the Naval Academy cemetery, and that his strength, his courage—his spirit—lives on through his family present here today.

Ship Sponsor

Shana, on behalf of this crew and our Navy, thank you for serving as ship sponsor for the USS Richard M. McCool, Jr.

In this role, you will forever be the connection between this warship, her crew, and your grandfather’s legacy of service.

It is my hope that you will continue to share your stories and memories of your grandfather with the crew, giving them a deep appreciation for the man whose name adorns their uniforms.

Closing

Captain McCool’s leadership in the face of grave danger and his acts of heroism to save the crew and the ship our nation entrusted to him are indeed an example for all throughout our Navy and Marine Corps to follow.

To the Sailors and Marines of the USS Richard M. McCool, Jr. and your families, you are about to embark on a great adventure as you bring this ship to life.

On behalf of a grateful nation, thank you all for the work and sacrifices you have already made, and for everything you will do in the coming days to as you work towards your maiden deployment.

May God continue to watch over this ship, her crew, and grant them with fair winds and following seas wherever they may sail.

Thank you.