SECNAV meets artisans at FRCSE

Accompanied by FRCSE Commanding Officer Capt. Paul Sohl and F/A-18 Product Manager Major Nimock, Mabus toured the F/A-18 Hornet overhaul line where artisans routinely replace aircraft center barrels, the critical structure for attaching the wings and the landing gear to the airframe.

Mabus is very interested in learning how depot-level maintenance solutions bridge the gap until the F-35 joint strike fighter, with its cutting-edge technology, is delivered to the Fleet. He said, "We need to bring the next generation of aircraft into the Fleet but maintain the old."

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus (center) escorted by FRCSE Commanding Officer Capt. Paul Sohl (right rear) and F/A-18 Product Manager Major Nimock (right foreground) examine center barrels on the strike fighter overhaul line. Photos by Vic Pitts

The FRCSE workforce performs a complete range of repair and rework operations. Artisans manufacture replacement parts and logisticians and engineers provide technical expertise both in-house and in the field. Sohl explained, "What we do here is vital to the Warfighter and the mission. We have a direct impact on Fleet readiness."

FRCSE has incorporated many lean-based initiatives to efficiently perform center barrel replacement in addition to other major repairs, upgrades and modification to the aging aircraft. These maintenance solutions greatly extend the service life of the Hornet. But more importantly, FRCSE is quickly returning these vital assets to the war effort.

In the Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Shop, Engineering Technician Randy Meeker explained how the depot is using reverse engineering to turn measurement data into an electronic format. Technicians use the data to "grow" composite parts from powder and resin. Composites are used in the milling process to verify fixture and tooling specifications to safeguard expensive machinery and reduce waste of expensive raw materials.

Greg Buckler listen as FRCSE Commanding Officer Capt. Paul Sohl explains the important mission the P-3C Orion aircraft plays in surveillance, reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare. (From left) Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus and Cmdr.

While touring the Wing Shop, Mabus met machinist John Argabrite, a Department of Defense (DoD) civilian employee who worked alongside troops in Al Asad, Iraq from June to September 2008 to keep critical aircraft airborne. Argabrite received the Secretary of Defense Global War On Terrorism Medal on Oct. 9 to recognize and honor his vital contributions in direct support of Warfighters combating terrorism. Mabus also toured the P-3 Orion aircraft hangar where Production Officer Cmdr. Greg Buckler explained the planned maintenance intervals and "Zone 5" fatigue life maintenance activities for the aircraft.

With his background in manufacturing, Mabus was impressed with the facility's capabilities and innovative technologies. He had nothing but praise for the FRCSE workforce and the important work they are contributing to the Fleet.

Mabus is a native of Ackerman, Miss. As Secretary of the Navy, he leads the Navy and Marine Corps (almost 900,000 people) and is responsible for an annual budget in excess of $150 billion.

(From left) Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus and Capt. Paul Sohl listen as machinist John Argabrite describes his 2008 tour in Iraq in as a DoD civilian. He recently was awarded the Global War On Terrorism Medal for his direct support of deployed combat troops.

FRCSE is one of eight Fleet Readiness centers commissioned by the Navy to perform in-depth overhaul, repair, and modification of aircraft, engines and aeronautical components. The Center Barrel Replacement Program earned FRCSE the 2008 Shingo Silver Medallion for operational excellence.

(From left) FRCSE F/A-18 Product Manager Major Nimock describes to the Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus how shadowbox aircraft part kits are used for temporary storage as aircraft undergo maintenance, overhaul or repairs as Angelo Evans looks on.