Fleet Readiness Center Southwest

Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW) Digital Transformation

Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW) Commanding Officer, CAPT Shannon Thompson recently recognized six exceptional employees with Command Challenge Coins for their instrumental contributions to one of the most significant digital modernization efforts within the FRC enterprise.

Tyler Clausen, Kevin Fishel, Jeff Day, Greg Burgin, Corey Cook, and Misael Diaz-Bucio played pivotal roles in the successful transition of the first MH-60 Sierra Phase Maintenance Inspection (PMI-1) from a legacy paper-based process to a fully digital Electronic Work Order (EWO) system. This achievement marks a major advancement in aircraft maintenance operations, enhancing efficiency, accountability, and real-time operational awareness across the production environment.

The Quality Assurance (QA) and Industrial Engineering Techs (IET) dedicated more than 800 man-hours to designing, engineering, and building the behind the scenes electronic needs to support the transition. At the same time, the NDMS team spearheaded the implementation and change-management effort, training the entire production line and ensuring a seamless adoption of the new system.

The impact of their work was immediate and far-reaching. By moving to direct-to-system documentation process, the team eliminated the need for physical rubber stamps, streamlined labor clocking procedures, implemented secure digital signoffs, and significantly reduced printing requirements.

Building on the success of the inaugural helicopter, ten additional aircraft are currently progressing through maintenance using the streamlined process. The innovation, technical expertise, and commitment demonstrated by these employees continue to shape the future of naval aviation maintenance and exemplify the ingenuity and teamwork that drive Fleet Readiness Center Southwest's mission success.

FRCSW employees are the Backbone of Military Readiness!

FRCSW Investing in Excellence

At Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW), mission readiness depends on strong leadership, effective programs, and a committed workforce. Supporting that mission behind the scenes is the FRCSW Office of Inspector General (IG), a team dedicated to helping the command identify opportunities for improvement, strengthen operations, and ensure long-term success across the organization. That commitment to excellence begins within the IG office itself.

Recently, both members of the team earned advanced professional certifications designed to enhance their ability to support the command and provide even greater value to FRCSW leadership, managers, and employees.

Mr. Gene “Clint” Pilkey, (FRCSW Inspector & Investigator) completed a specialized certification that was based on established federal standards. The training focused on standardized inspection methodologies, evaluation processes, and best practices used by Inspector General offices across federal and state organizations.
The certification also connects the FRCSW IG office to a broader professional community of personnel who regularly share lessons learned, successful solutions, and best practices. This collaboration allows the command to benefit from proven approaches already implemented.

Mr. Michael Steele (FRCSW Inspector General) completed training to become a Certified Inspector General. This program is centered on leadership, management, oversight responsibilities, and investigative processes. The training provided valuable insight into how IG organizations across government approach complex challenges and support their commands through proactive engagement and professional oversight.

These certifications directly support command personnel by ensuring the team remains aligned with the highest professional standards and current best practices available.

The FRCSW IG office serves as a trusted resource for command leadership, managers, supervisors, and employees. The team’s purpose is to ensure FRCSW programs operate effectively, remain aligned with policy and instruction, and continue supporting the mission without interruption. The team reviews programs, policies, and procedures to help identify potential gaps before they grow into larger issues that could affect operations. Their mission is centered on helping departments strengthen processes, improve readiness, and maintain compliance.

In many ways, the IG office functions as an assisted self-assessment program for FRCSW departments. The team works collaboratively with both employees and managers to ensure programs are operating as intended and provides an understanding of where additional tools, resources, or attention may be beneficial.

The office also plays a critical role in preparing FRCSW departments for future external inspections or audits from higher Navy organizations by ensuring programs remain inspection-ready year-round.

The IG team focuses heavily on proactive problem solving and risk reduction. A recent example involved a program that experienced significant staffing turnover during a Departmental Realignment Process (DRP). After losing both a manager and their replacement in a short period of time, the position remained vacant. The IG office identified the resulting gap as a potential concern and worked with leadership to help ensure the issue could be addressed before it impacted command operations.

This proactive approach reflects the true purpose of the team: helping to identify vulnerabilities early so solutions can be implemented before problems affect the mission.

The office’s after-action reports are designed specifically to support improvement, not assign blame. These reports help departments strengthen operations, improve processes, and close gaps efficiently. Completed inspections are posted to the FRCSW IG SharePoint site (all identifying information is removed). This creates a resource for others at the command and allows departments to learn from one another’s experiences.

This collaborative approach allows supervisors and managers to strengthen their programs while reducing the burden of navigating complex policies and requirements independently.

In addition to inspections and program reviews, the IG office also tracks concerns submitted through programs such as Dear Skipper and various Navy IG reporting systems. All submissions are carefully evaluated, categorized, and analyzed to identify any potential broader command-wide trends. Common concerns include:
• Traffic and parking issues
• Harassment concerns
• Hostile work environment complaints
• Fraud, waste, and abuse allegations
• Nepotism concerns
• Process and communication issues

Identifying recurring themes allows the IG office to help leadership understand where improvements may benefit the workforce and the organization overall.

The FRCSW Office of Inspector General exists to strengthen the command through partnership, professionalism, and continuous improvement. The team focuses on gathering facts, identifying concerns, and ensuring leadership has accurate information to make informed decisions. By investing in their own future through training, helping departments identify and close gaps, supporting managers and supervisors, and promoting transparency and readiness across the organization, the FRCSW IG plays a critical role in maintaining mission success.

Their work helps ensure FRCSW remains prepared, resilient, and capable of delivering world-class support to the Navy and Marine Corps warfighter.

FRCSW Employees are the Backbone of Military Readiness!!

Fleet Readiness Center Southwest personnel have played a vital role in sustaining the strength, readiness, and combat capability of Naval Aviation for more than 107 years. These images show the growth of the command’s headquarters in building 94 from its inception in 1919 through today. They offer a glimpse into the remarkable history of a command that has supported the Navy and Marine Corps through every era of aviation, from the earliest days of flight to the fifth-generation aircraft of today.

Established during the infancy of naval aviation, the command grew alongside the fleet it supported. What began as maintenance and repair work on wooden biplanes and lighter than air aircraft, evolved into the sustainment of some of the most advanced and lethal machines in the world. Across generations, the mission has remained constant: deliver safe, mission-ready aircraft to the warfighter so they can fight and win in any battle.

Inside Building 94, thousands of dedicated artisans, engineers, mechanics, logisticians, and support personnel have answered that call. Through times of war, technological transformation, and rapid modernization, the people of FRCSW have continuously adapted to meet the needs of the fleet.

These photographs not only capture the evolution of the facility and the aircraft that passed through it, but also the enduring legacy of the workforce behind them. Every aircraft repaired, every innovation implemented, and every mission supported reflects more than a century of craftsmanship, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the Navy and Marine Corps.

Building 94 stands today as both a historic landmark and a symbol of the command’s enduring dedication to those who serve. More than a century later, FRC Southwest employees continues to carry forward its proud tradition of supporting the fleet and strengthening America’s warfighting capability.

FRCSW employees are the Backbone of Military Readiness!

On 7 May 2026, Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW) hosted leaders from Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) for a tour of the commands additive manufacturing capabilities.

During the visit, SES Lynn Kohl, Vice Commander of Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support (NAVSUP WSS), SES Karen Fenstermacher, Vice Commander of Naval Supply Systems Command, and Mr. Dan Olson, NAVSUP Director of Command Operations, received detailed demonstrations on the operational potential of Cold Spray technology and its growing role in fleet sustainment efforts.

As part of the engagement, each attendee had the opportunity to personally operate the Cold Spray unit under the guidance of command Material Lab subject matter experts. The hands-on demonstrations provided senior leaders with a direct look into how additive manufacturing technologies are transforming maintenance and repair capabilities across the Navy. While the demonstrations were conducted in a training and familiarization environment rather than on operational components, they highlighted the precision, flexibility, and future potential of these types of applications within naval aviation.

The visit focused heavily on how additive manufacturing can improve readiness, reduce supply chain delays, and provide more responsive sustainment solutions for the Fleet and it reinforced the importance of continued collaboration between FRCSW, NAVSUP, and NAVFAC.

Integration of technologies such as Cold Spray into future maintenance and repair strategies allows the Navy to better meet mission requirements while enhancing warfighter support across the enterprise.

FRCSW Employees are the Backbone of Military Readiness!!

Congratulations to our sister Depot at FRCE in Cherry Point North Carolina for reaching this amazing milestone!!

FRC employees, no matter where they work, are the Backbone of Military Readiness!!

Fleet Readiness Center Southeast Fleet Readiness Center East

FRCE REACHES MILESTONE WITH GLOBAL TRANSPARK LEASE AGREEMENT
The new Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul facility at the North Carolina Global TransPark in Kinston hit another milestone April 15 when the Navy officially signed a lease agreement for the property.

The agreement with the state of North Carolina provides FRCE with 65 acres at the Global TransPark, paving the way for the command’s maintenance support of U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps C/KC-130 Hercules/Super Hercules transport aircraft and United States Air Force HH-60W Jolly Green II search and rescue helicopters, scheduled to begin in September.

“This historic initiative will increase the nation’s depot capacity for both the C-130 and HH-60W aircraft, significantly enhancing fleet readiness, while simultaneously creating hundreds of highly skilled technical jobs, providing a major economic boost to eastern North Carolina,” said FRCE Commanding Officer Capt. Randy J. Berti.

Read more at the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) News link in the comments!

Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers - COMFRC Naval Aviation Enterprise NAVFAC North Carolina Global TransPark Economic Development Region North Carolina Department of Transportation Governor Josh Stein

Fleet Readiness Center Southwest
USS Constellation and a Model That Tells Its Story

For more than three decades, a model of the USS Constellation (CV-64) has been on display at Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW) but this ship is more than just a model as it embodies the evolution of three U.S. Navy aircraft carriers and reflects the critical role FRCSW has played in their support.

Commissioned on October 27, 1961, USS Constellation was one of the Navy’s most capable aircraft carriers of her time. Her keel was laid on September 14, 1957, and she was launched on October 8, 1960, marking the culmination of years of engineering and shipbuilding innovation.

At 1,079 feet long with a 252-foot-wide flight deck spanning 4.5 acres, Constellation was a floating city and airbase combined. Powered by four steam turbines generating 280,000 horsepower and driving four propellers, she could reach speeds of up to 35 knots. Designed to carry approximately 85 aircraft, the ship supported a crew of over 5,600 personnel, including enlisted sailors and officers. Homeported in San Diego, “Connie” became a cornerstone of U.S. naval operations in the Pacific.

The model in FRCSW’s care is far more than a replica, it is a historical artifact that traces its lineage through three aircraft carriers: USS Saratoga (CV-60), USS Independence (CV-62), and finally USS Constellation (CV-64).

Originally constructed as a “drawing room model” of USS Saratoga (CV-60) at the New York Naval Shipyard, the model was used as a design tool. In the old days, before computer generated design, models were utilized to ensure the scale of the actual ships were accurate.

The model was later modified to represent USS Independence (CV-62) and then USS Constellation. In 1961, it underwent a final transformation into an exhibition model of USS Constellation. At that time, the underwater hull was added, and the model was fully painted, creating the complete representation seen today.

Crafted primarily from pine, with intricate brass components soldered together, the model reflects the precision and craftsmanship of the New York Naval Shipyard, which has since closed. Over the years, it has been displayed in various locations including Hunters Point, Albuquerque, Kansas City, and multiple sites throughout San Diego region before finding its permanent home at FRCSW.

The name “Constellation” carries a distinguished legacy in U.S. naval history. The first USS Constellation was named to symbolize the “new constellation of stars” on the American flag.

Commissioned in 1797, it achieved an historic victory during the Quasi-War with France by defeating the French ship L’Insurgente.
Subsequent ships bearing the Constellation name served in various roles, from sloops of war to training ships and slave trade interdiction vessels. One iteration became the last sail-powered warship designed by the Navy before the transition to steam propulsion. Over time, these vessels adapted to changing naval needs, serving as practice ships, merchant protectors during the Civil War, and stationary training platforms.

The aircraft carrier USS Constellation (CV-64) represents the modern continuation of this storied name.

Since the earliest days of naval aviation, the work performed at Naval Air Station North Island has been essential to the Navy’s operational success. It was here that the Navy’s first aircraft carrier, USS Langley (CV-1), was commissioned, marking the beginning of carrier-based aviation.

From that point forward, FRCSW artisans have played a vital role in maintaining and repairing the aircraft components and shipboard systems that keep carriers like “Connie” mission-ready.
Aircraft carriers are among the most complex machines ever built, and their success depends not only on the sailors aboard them but also on the skilled workforce behind the scenes. Without the dedication and precision of FRCSW personnel, the aircraft could not fly, and the ships could not fulfill their missions.

Today, the USS Constellation model stands as a tangible link between past and present. It represents not only the design and construction of three major aircraft carriers but also the enduring partnership between the fleet and the artisans who sustain it.

For over 30 years at FRCSW, this model has quietly told a story of innovation, craftsmanship, and unwavering support. It serves as a reminder that behind every successful mission at sea lies a network of skilled professionals on shore, ensuring that America’s carriers remain ready to answer the call.

FRCSW employees are the Backbone of Military Readiness!

Capturing a moment that bridges decades of naval aviation history.

In the early 1990’s inside Hangar 378 at Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW), an artisan works quietly beneath the wings of a Lockheed S-3 Viking, the first of its kind inducted at the command.

Originally designed as a carrier-based anti-submarine warfare platform, the S-3 Viking quickly proved itself as one of the most versatile and reliable aircraft in the fleet, evolving to take on roles in sea surveillance, electronic warfare support, and aerial refueling. Known for its exceptional mission reliability and consistently high sortie success rates, the Viking became a dependable workhorse for carrier strike groups around the globe.

Behind that success stands the sustained efforts of FRCSW, where skilled maintainers, engineers, and artisans extended the aircraft’s operational life through meticulous inspection, structural repair, and system overhauls. This image reflects not just a moment of maintenance, but a legacy of craftsmanship and commitment that kept the aircraft mission-ready for decades, long after its original design life was surpassed.

FRCSW employees are the Backbone of Military Readiness!!

FRCSW Produces First Organic Super Hornet to Undergo Block III Modifications

At Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW), innovation is not a buzzword, it’s a daily commitment to the warfighter. That commitment reached an historic milestone with the command’s completion of its first fully organic F/A-18 Super Hornet Block III modification. For the first time, U.S. military artisans and engineers executed the complete upgrade in-house, marking a pivotal step forward in naval aviation readiness.

This achievement represents more than technical success. It is the culmination of deliberate planning, disciplined ex*****on, and the relentless professionalism of FRCSW’s workforce and partners.

The Block III modification is the third and most advanced phase of the Service Life Modification (SLM) effort for the Super Hornet fleet. FRCSW and its partners approached this modernization in three phases:
1. Structural Service Life Extension – Expanding aircraft life from 6,000 to 10,000 flight hours.
2. Block III upgrades to deliver network and mission enhancements.
3. Block III Advanced Cockpit System (ACS) and comprehensive avionics modernization.
This phased approach allowed FRCSW artisans and engineers to refine processes, sequence work efficiently, and reduce cost and turnaround time (TAT).

The Block III effort is embedded within the broader SLM program pioneered by FRCSW and Boeing.

The Block III configuration includes significant upgrades including:
• Advanced Cockpit System (ACS) installation
• A new large-area cockpit display
• Comprehensive avionics suite upgrades
• Enhanced aircraft networking capability
• Electrical system modernization to support upgraded systems
The ACS fundamentally transforms the cockpit. Aircraft that once relied on older display technology are now equipped with modern, user-friendly large screen interfaces. This upgrade allows pilots to fully leverage the aircraft’s enhanced capabilities, bringing this fourth-generation platform significantly closer to fifth-generation performance at a fraction of the cost.

The modification does not extend the physical life of the aircraft, that is the purpose of the structural SLM, but it ensures the avionics and mission systems remain tactically relevant for the aircraft’s service life. Together, structural SLM and Block III modernization form a comprehensive life-extension and capability-enhancement strategy that ensure the Super Hornet will remain a key component of the Navy’s carrier air wing well into the 2040s.

The Block III modification is one of the most complex avionics upgrades undertaken at FRCSW in over a decade.

The process essentially guts the cockpit:
• Removal and replacement of structural components
• Extraction and reinstallation of wiring and fiber optics
• Installation of new displays and interface systems
• Electrical upgrades to support modern avionics
The governing Technical Directive (TD) is more than 350 pages long and provides extremely specific instructions, down to how wiring and fiber optics must be routed and secured. FRCSW artisans and engineers work closely with Boeing engineers to ensure every step meets current safety and quality standards.
As aircraft are disassembled, teams frequently discover unplanned issues, corrosion, worn wiring, or legacy damage that must be corrected before modernization can proceed. This adds layers of complexity to an already intricate effort and highlights the need for, and success of, the command partnerships with Boeing and F/A-18 and EA-18G Program Office (PMA-265).

One hurdle the team had to overcome in this effort was that multiple trades must operate in tight cockpit spaces:
• Avionics technicians
• Sheet metal mechanics
• Ordnance specialists
• Engineers and quality assurance personnel
Thus, sequencing becomes a carefully choreographed process. One team’s delay affects all others. Planning is everything.

Any new process at FRCSW must meet the same uncompromising safety and quality standards as legacy programs. The command’s award-winning safety culture underpins every evolution. That culture was recently recognized with the CNO Aviation Safety Award:
https://www.dvidshub.net/news/495142/frcsw-wins-cno-aviation-safety-award

For 3 years, FRCSW has successfully executed structural SLM repairs. Now, with full Block III capability added to its portfolio, the command has evolved into a complete modernization hub for the Super Hornet fleet.

With a current turnaround time of approximately 365 days, reduced from an originally projected 15 months, the command has already exceeded expectations and cost performance has been equally impressive coming in well under budget, all while maintaining strict adherence to safety and quality standards.

Looking ahead, all fleet squadrons are transitioning to full Block III configuration thus this workload will continue well into the 2030’s.

While this milestone represents the first fully organic ex*****on of the modification, it is not accomplished in isolation. FRCSW collaborates closely with PMA-265, which oversees F/A-18 programs, and maintains coordination with Boeing during TD validation and engineering alignment.

The true strength of this program lies in integration, engineering, logistics, supply, manufacturing, quality assurance, and production operating as a unified team across the command and the COMFRC enterprise.

This is not simply maintenance. It is modernization. It is capability generation. It is combat readiness built by American hands. FRCSW employees have supported naval aviation for more than a century. From early aviation maintenance efforts to today’s advanced Super Hornet and Growler modernization programs, the workforce has consistently delivered.

Integrating structural life extension with full avionics transformation, FRCSW has ensured that the F/A-18 Super Hornet remains lethal, relevant, and deployable well into the future.

FRCSW Employees are the Backbone of Military Readiness!

Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW) proudly hosted members of COMNAVSURFPAC’s rising generation of Navy Supply Corps Officers. These future leaders gained firsthand insight into how FRCSW depot-level maintenance operations and business functions come together to drive fleet readiness. From industrial supply and logistics to the critical business processes that keep production moving, FRCSW teammates demonstrate how integrated support directly impacts mission success and strengthens warfighter capability.

FRCSW personnel take the mission of supporting the Navy and Marine Corps warfighter seriously, but command personnel also understand that the best way to achieve long term success for the Navy as a whole is to inform future leaders about successful practices today. Investing in these officers now will ensure a stronger, more capable Navy tomorrow, “Ready for Sea”.

A special thank you to the FRCSW MRO-L team for leading an outstanding visit and providing an engaging, behind-the-scenes tour of command facilities.