“This is a huge achievement for the Navy,” said Capt. Jason Pettitt, program manager for PMA-226. “The strategic collaboration between FRCSW and PMA-226 to establish F-16 depot maintenance capabilities has delivered accelerated readiness for the warfighter.”
Pettitt said both teams moved at an unprecedented pace to build the new capability from the ground up. “Both teams worked tirelessly to procure, train and install the necessary equipment to stand up the F-16 PSSR capability in just 18 months — an unprecedented pace for depot line activation,” he said.
The F-16 serves as a cost-effective, fourth-plus generation adversary aircraft used to train Navy pilots, including during TOPGUN and deployment exercises. With dozens of aircraft acquired from the Air Force, the Navy needed a way to ensure the jets could safely operate for decades.
“Bringing a new aircraft into a military depot in 18 months is an amazing achievement,” said Mark Greenamyer, the F-16 Depot Integration lead with PMA-226. “Most depot standup activities can take five years or more.”
Greenamyer said close coordination across services was key to accelerating the effort. “Teaming with FRCSW, PMA-226, the USAF F-16 System Program Office, and Air Force depot locations made the acceleration possible with everyone running every day to a common vision and goal,” he said.
The first aircraft induction was used to refine processes and train personnel, helping shorten timelines for future repairs. “During the Navy’s first aircraft induction, we identified ways to streamline efforts and prioritize work to accelerate delivery of the aircraft back to the units,” Greenamyer said.
Lessons from the Air Force’s sustainment process also helped shape the Navy’s approach. “Transparency. Meet early and often. Get straight to the goal and never take your eye off the destination,” Greenamyer said.
The Navy said the milestone extends the service life of F-16s that were previously limited to as little as one year of safe operation. “This achievement is a testament to the power of collaboration and the Navy’s commitment to readiness,” Pettitt said.
