Commanding Officer Captain Randy Berti emphasised the significance of the expansion for national defence. “This milestone reinforces the F-35’s mission readiness and supports our warfighters with top-tier maintenance and repair capabilities,” he stated.
FRCE, the lead site for depot-level maintenance on the F-35B Lightning II, has supported the Marine Corps’ short takeoff-vertical landing variant since 2013. The depot also services the Air Force’s F-35A and the Navy’s F-35C carrier variant, highlighting its versatile role in sustaining the fleet.
The new facility is expected to handle 337,000 additional work hours through 2028, with the 158th inducted aircraft set to be the first serviced in the expanded space. Since 2013, FRCE has inducted 158 aircraft and delivered 145 back into operational service.
Jeanie Holder, F-35 Joint Program Office Modifications and Induction Lead, praised FRCE’s performance. “Their proven track record, skilled workforce, and ability to meet deadlines made FRCE the ideal site for this expansion,” she noted, adding that the new dock will soon be bustling with aircraft.
FRCE’s advancements include achieving repair capability on 76 F-35 components and completing the first successful assembly of an F-35B lift fan clutch outside the original manufacturer’s facility in 2023. The depot is preparing for further expansion, with vertical lift fan testing facilities expected to become operational this year and a new sustainment facility projected for 2028.
As North Carolina’s largest maintenance provider, FRCE employs over 4,000 workers and generates over $1 billion annually.
