Fleet Readiness Center Southeast

Congratulations to our Golden Wrench Award winner, Norman Highsmith!

Norman works tirelessly processing aircraft engine bearings and consistently meets FRCSE’s aircraft engine department requirements. He recently contributed to the implementation of new F135 engine bearing inspection procedures, a collaboration that required seamless partnership with the engineering department.

Norman’s abilities in processing various types of aircraft engine bearings has created cost savings.

His efforts have helped move the needle! Bravo Zulu, Norman!

Throwback to February 1982 when Willis Lewis, an artisan at Naval Air Rework Facility, grinded away corrosion on the wing plank of a P-3 Orion.


Naval History & Heritage Command
National Naval Aviation Museum

Congratulations to FRCSE’s TEA²M Award recipient – Johnmichael Wilson!

Recognized for his outstanding performance as Information System Security Officer (ISSO), Johnmichael led the command’s recent training assist visit in preparation for the upcoming Cyber Operational Readiness Assessment. He coordinated requirements, organized documentation and worked across teams to ensure cybersecurity controls and artifacts were aligned and inspection-ready.

His expertise in risk management framework and compliance, proactive approach and attention to detail helped identify gaps early and strengthen FRCSE’s cybersecurity posture in direct support of mission readiness. Bravo Zulu, Johnmichael!

A sheet metal mechanic with FRCSE's vertical lift production line applies primer to an MH-60 Sea Hawk helicopter as part of corrosion control efforts. Corrosion control on the H-60 helicopter requires vigilant prevention measures and targeted repairs to mitigate environmental exposure.

Congratulations to our Golden Wrench Award winner, Philip Spivey!

Congratulations to Philip for superior performance supporting the T-6 aircraft production line. As a highly knowledgeable aircraft mechanic, he provides tasking, training and oversight during component, system and subsystem buildup and installation.

Philip consistently identified potential issues early to prevent rework and helped maintain schedule and cost requirements. Frequently assigned high priority tasks, he completes work efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety and professionalism.

Congrats to Chief Aviation Structural Mechanic Khalil Lynch on being awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal!

While serving as maintenance control leading chief petty officer, Chief Lynch demonstrated superior leadership and managerial aptness while leading a team of 31 military and civilian members in the inspection of 201 aircraft logbooks, directly contributing to the completion of the 553 functional check flights and 227 aircraft deliveries fleet-wide. Bravo Zulu!

Throwback to June 1981, when NARF (now FRCSE) inducted an E-2C Hawkeye for maintenance. The facility performed stripping, corrosion treatment, painting, and minor repairs before returning it to the Fleet. The E-2 is an all-weather, carrier-based early warning and control aircraft.


Naval History & Heritage Command
National Naval Aviation Museum

– On January 6, 1994, the first two F-14 Tomcats arrived at NADEP Jacksonville (now FRCSE).
Their delivery marked a major milestone in preparing the depot to take on increased workload following the 1993 Base Realignment and Closure Commission decisions, which closed three of the Navy’s six aviation depots. As a result, F-14 Tomcat work transitioned from NADEP Norfolk to Jacksonville.


Naval History & Heritage Command
National Naval Aviation Museum

A machinist at FRCSE's Crinkley Engine Facility uses an electrical discharge machine to reestablish cooling holes welded on a TF34 combustion liner. FRCSE is the sole source of depot-level repair for the TF34 engine, which powers the Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II.