On track to deliver SIL2.0 and 30mm variant of Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle 

From General Dynamics Land Systems, Feb. 3, 2025 

 
STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. – General Dynamics Land Systems announced today that it has successfully completed further testing of its Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle (ARV) Command, Control, Communications, Computers/Unmanned Aerial Systems (C4/UAS) variant with the U.S. Marine Corps. The ARV is designed for the Marine Corps’ future Mobile Reconnaissance Battalions. 

Principal test locations from March to December 2024 included the Michigan Technological University Keweenaw Research Center (KRC) in Calumet, Mich., and the U.S. Army’s Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC), Detroit Arsenal in Warren, Mich.  

General Dynamics Land Systems’ C4/UAS ARV variant is built to serve as the Marine Corps’ “quarterback” on the mobile and multi-domain battlefield. It connects to an array of onboard and off-board sensors, plus UAS and, in the future, ground and water robotic systems. The General Dynamics Land Systems design ensures growth margins and modular open architecture to rapidly incorporate new technology as it develops. In anticipation of potential future requirements, it also incorporates the company’s Next Generation Electronic Architecture, enabling artificial intelligence functionality and control of robotic systems. 

Marine Corps-directed and company-led tests and demonstrations in 2024 included land mobility, maintenance, logistics and training systems, as well as automotive and mission-profile performance assessments. 

A focus area in 2024 involved a maintenance and logistics capability assessment by Marines using the ARV. To this end, General Dynamics Land Systems has incorporated modern digital maintenance and prognostic monitoring systems in the ARV. In addition to Marine Corps-directed testing, General Dynamics Land Systems enhanced its demonstrations by introducing its next-generation Digital Training System (DTS), which eventually will enable ARV training at the individual, crew and unit levels for tactical operations and maintenance activities. 

“The testing and demonstration activities last year helped us collect additional data to ensure we can meet or exceed the Marine Corps’ requirements for ARV, especially in the critical area of maintenance, logistics and training,” said Richard Trotter, ARV Program Director at General Dynamics Land Systems. “We are confident we can achieve key performance requirements in these areas as we wholistically design the strategic ARV capability and competitively position ourselves for the next phase of the program.” 

Testing has included Marines from across the Light Armored Reconnaissance (LAR) and maintenance communities. 

“Partnering with the Marines in the ARV testing and demonstrations provides very valuable feedback,” said Marc Shepard, ARV Program Manager at General Dynamics Land Systems. “Their collaborative, constructive feedback is invaluable as we aim for a transformational, 21^st century solution.” 

“We have said this before, and it is worth repeating: The ARV is highly mobile on land and in the water, allowing Marines to sense, communicate and connect to kill webs on the future battlefield like never before,” Trotter added. “Recent tests were some of the most extensive to date for us to trial our innovative technologies. We pride ourselves on delivering capabilities for today and also are thoughtful, deliberate and innovative about realizing the future vision of the Marine Corps. We look forward to continuing our long partnership with the Marines and contributing to their efforts to ensure that ARV is a transformational reconnaissance capability.” 

In 2025, General Dynamics Land Systems will complete manufacturing and delivery of an ARV-30mm prototype for testing and evaluation. The company also will deliver a second Systems Integration Lab (SIL) for the ARV program. The primary purpose of the SIL, designed to replicate the interior of the company’s C4/UAS vehicle, is to validate the integration of the Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4/I) systems and software. It is envisioned that the SIL also will serve as an immersive experience for ARV mission operators and crew to train and simulate real-world missions with full, representative vehicle functionality.

HEADQUARTERS, MARINE CORPS – For the second year in a row, independent auditors verified that the Marine Corps’ financial records are materially accurate, complete, and compliant with federal regulations and issued an unmodified opinion for Fiscal Year 2024. 

This repeat achievement reinforces the service’s reputation for accountability, discipline, and leadership; and this is only the second time such success has been achieved for a military service in Department of Defense history and twice attributed to the Marines.  
 
The findings produced by the audit help the service to more efficiently and accurately plan, program, budget, and spend funds appropriated by Congress. 

The Marine Corps’ audit process enabled accurate global tracking and reporting of financial transactions, inventory of facilities, equipment and assets, and accounting for taxpayer dollars spent during the last fiscal year. The auditors also tested the Marines Corps’ network, key business systems, and internal controls. 

“I am immensely proud of this historic achievement and the hard work done by the thousands of Marines, sailors, and civilians across the Marine Corps that made this happen,” said Gen. Eric M. Smith, Commandant of the Marine Corps. “Their efforts tell the American people that a dollar invested in the Marine Corps is a dollar well spent. Passing a second annual audit demonstrates our commitment to being good stewards of our nation’s tax dollars and is part of how we distinguish ourselves as a professional warfighting organization. Make no mistake, passing an audit makes us more ready to fight when our nation calls.” 

Since becoming the first service to pass an annual financial audit, the Marine Corps took additional steps to stabilize its new accounting system and procedures. Independent public accountants contracted by the Department of Defense Inspector General audited all records. Financial management personnel also gained more hands-on experience, which set conditions for a smoother audit this year.  

“The Marine Corps culture has always emphasized accountability to yourself, your fellow Marines, your unit, down to the lowest tactical levels,” said LtGen. James Adams III, Deputy Commandant for Programs and Resources. “But financial reporting for $49 billion in financial assets requires a holistic view from the ground level up to the highest service levels. The audit process demonstrates Marines’ inherent integrity – opening up and illuminating potential audit mistakes and inventory miscounts across the entire chain of command. That can be an uncomfortable experience for Marine leaders of all ranks. Now magnify that across an entire service. By educating all Marines on the importance of accurate counts, and through our use of independent audit and inspection teams, we were able to gain an accurate accounting of the resources entrusted to the Corps.” 

The auditor’s final report, enclosed in the Marine Corps’ Fiscal Year 2024 Agency Financial Report, highlights seven areas for the Marine Corps to improve upon, referred to as material weaknesses.  

The Marine Corps will continue to drive to eliminate these weaknesses through systems improvement and internal controls. While doing this, the Corps will still prioritize the accurate counting and management of its global assets, a challenging task given the vast scope of its operations. By repeating and refining this process, the Corps aims to develop a more fluid and efficient enterprise resource planning system, ultimately positioning itself for long-term mission success and accountability. 

The Agency Financial Report for Fiscal Year 2024 is available at: https://www.pandr.marines.mil/  

By Richard R. Burgess, Senior Editor 

ARLINGTON, Va. — The U.S. Marine Corps has adjusted its procurement and transition plan for its F-35 Lightning II strike fighter fleet. While the overall program of record remains at 420 F-35s, the balance between the numbers of short takeoff and vertical landing F-35B and the carrier launch capable F-35C has changed, with the number of F-35Cs increasing  and the number of F-35Bs decreasing. 

According to the 2025 Marine Corps Aviation Plan released Feb. 3, the Corps plans to procure a total 280 F-35Bs and 140 F-35Cs, as compared with the earlier program of record of 353 F-35Bs and 67 F-35Cs. These numbers will allow the Corps to support 12 F-35B fighter-attack (VMFA) squadrons and eight F-35C VMFA squadrons. 

Before, the Corps had planned to support only four F-35C squadrons, VMFAs 314, 311, 251, and 115. With the change in the procurement profile, four other F/A-18 Hornet squadrons also will make the transition to the F-35C: VMFAs 232 and 323 and reserve VMFAs 112 and 134. 

Currently, all but two operational F-35 squadrons are allowed to be equipped with 10 aircraft, with the other two, both based at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, being allowed 12 aircraft each. Under the new plan, all operational F-35 squadrons will be equipped with 12 aircraft each beginning in 2030. 

The Marine Corps F-35C squadrons will continue to support the TACAIR Integration Plan, in which they deploy as units of Navy carrier airwings. 

From U.S. Department of Defense Public Affairs, Jan. 25, 2025 

ARLINGTON, Va. — The following message to the U.S. armed forces was released by the new Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth:   

“It is the privilege of a lifetime to lead the warriors of the Department of Defense, under the leadership of our Commander in Chief Donald J. Trump. We will put America First, and we will never back down. 
  
The President gave us a clear mission: achieve Peace through Strength. We will do this in three ways — by restoring the warrior ethos, rebuilding our military, and reestablishing deterrence.    
  
o    We will revive the warrior ethos and restore trust in our military.  We are American warriors. We will defend our country.  Our standards will be high, uncompromising, and clear. The strength of our military is our unity and our shared purpose.   
  
o    We will rebuild our military by matching threats to capabilities. This means reviving our defense industrial base, reforming our acquisition process, passing a financial audit, and rapidly fielding emerging technologies. We will remain the strongest and most lethal force in the world.  
  
o    We will reestablish deterrence by defending our homeland — on the ground and in the sky. We will work with allies and partners to deter aggression in the Indo-Pacific by Communist China, as well as supporting the President’s priority to end wars responsibly and reorient to key threats. We will stand by our allies — and our enemies are on notice. 
  
All of this will be done with a focus on lethality, meritocracy, accountability, standards, and readiness. 
  
I have committed my life to warfighters and their families.  Just as my fellow soldiers had my back on the battlefield, know that I will always have your back. We serve together at a dangerous time.  Our enemies will neither rest nor relent.  And neither will we.  We will stand shoulder to shoulder to meet the urgency of this moment.     
  
Like each of you, I love my country and swore an oath to defend the Constitution. We will do that each and every day, as one team.  Together we will accomplish the President’s mission to deter war, and if necessary, defeat and destroy our enemies. Godspeed!” 

From 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, Jan. 25, 2025 

POHAKULOA TRAINING AREA, Hawaii – U.S. Marines with 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, conducted a counter unmanned aerial system live-fire training event utilizing the Marine Air Defense Integrated System – a ground-based air defense capability, on January 25, 2025, to commemorate the addition of the MADIS and the months of operational testing and evaluation required to field this new weapon system. 

Lt. Col. Matthew E. Sladek, Commanding Officer, 3d Littoral Anti-Air Battalion, stated, “The fielding of the Marine Air Defense Integrated System to the Marines of 3d Littoral Anti-Air Battalion is the culmination of years of tireless work from government and industry teammates across the country. The delivery of the critical capabilities the system provides to 3d Littoral Anti-Air Battalion and by extension 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, makes the stand-in-force more survivable and lethal in the conduct of contested littoral operations against emerging aerial threats. As a career Low Altitude Air Defender Marine, it is truly amazing to have watched the Marine Air Defense Integrated System transition from an idea to a capability and with it, the modernization of Marine Corps short range air defense capabilities. Now the real work begins.” 

The MADIS is operated by the Marines of 3d LAAB’s Ground-Based Air Defense Battery. Giving low-altitude air defense Marines the ability to detect, track, identify, and engage various unmanned aerial systems with various missiles, air-to-air launchers, chain guns, machine guns, and simulated munitions – all of which are part of the MADIS weapon system.  

The MADIS live-fire event marked the first time this weapon system has been fired on a Hawaiian island since it’s fielding in December, attendees were able ask questions to commanders and subject matter experts about the fielding process and the operational value of the system. Training with the MADIS reinforces the Marine Corps’ threat-informed, concept-based approach to Force Design and modernization, and 3d MLR’s support to allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.   

Col. John G. Lehane, Commanding Officer, 3d MLR, emphasized the importance of the MADIS capability, stating, “Fielding of MADIS to the 3d Marine Littoral Regiment enhances our collective lethality, and provides remarkable tactical flexibility given them system’s reach, range and mobility. We are really excited to have this capability added to our already robust ability to coordinate air and missile defense actions, as it adds an organic layer to defeat a would-be adversary’s ability to attack our formations.” 

The addition of the MADIS – a highly mobile, short-range, surface-to-air defense weapon – provides 3d MLR an enhanced air and missile defense capability. A key component of the Marine Corps’ Force Design initiative, the mobile MADIS weapons system increases 3d MLR’s tactical flexibility by extending the range of the airspace which 3d MLR is able to sense and defend without support from the Joint Force. 

3d Marine Littoral Regiment is a dedicated U.S. Marine Corps unit specializing in amphibious and littoral warfare operations. Stationed on Oahu, Hawaii, and deployed throughout the Indo-Pacific region, 3d MLR is committed to promoting regional security and stability through strategic partnerships and collaborative efforts with partner nations and Allies. 

Jan. 22, 2025 | By Matthew Olay, DoD News 

The Defense Department is sending 1,500 active-duty service members and additional air and intelligence assets to the southern border to augment troops already conducting enforcement operations in that region, Acting Secretary of Defense Robert Salesses announced this afternoon via a statement to the media. 

The announcement came roughly 36 hours after President Donald J. Trump issued an executive order directing DOD to address the situation at the border.  

“On Monday, to protect the security and safety of United States citizens, President Trump declared that a national emergency exists at the southern border of the United States. The president directed me to take all appropriate action to support the activities of the secretary of homeland security in obtaining complete operational control of the southern border of the United States,” the statement reads.  

The Pentagon has since established a task force to oversee the expedited implementation of border-related executive orders; with U.S. Northern Command heading up the effort and being supported by U.S. Transportation Command, the National Guard Bureau, the military services and the Department of Homeland Security.  

The 1,500 additional active-duty service members authorized by Salesses will initially be put to work on the placement of physical barriers and other border missions within the next 24 to 48 hours, a senior military official told the media.  

The additional active-duty personnel includes 1,000 soldiers, as well as 500 Marines who had previously been on standby in Southern California to potentially help combat the Los Angeles County wildfires that broke out two weeks ago, the senior official said.  

With 2,500 active-duty personnel already in the region, the additional 1,500 troops will represent a 60% increase in active-duty forces since Trump was sworn in on Monday, Salesses remarks in his statement.   

“We anticipate that overall, on the southwest border, will provide real-time situational awareness of persons, vehicles, vessels and aircraft; and they’ll work with on operator-level maintenance, movement and staging of assets,” the senior military official said.  

In addition to the additional active-duty ground personnel, DOD will provide airlift support for flights operated by DHS to implement the deportation of more than 5,000 individuals detained by CBP at the border sectors in San Diego and El Paso, Texas, Salesses’ statement reads.  

Transcom is providing two C-130 Hercules and two C-17 Globemaster aircraft to assist in that support, the senior military official said.   

Additionally, the official added that there are UH-72 Lakota military helicopters that began flying today in support of CBP.  

DOD is also coordinating with the State Department to obtain diplomatic visas and provide host-nation notification for those individuals who are deported, a senior defense official said.  

DOD is also providing intelligence analyst support at the border.  

“We’re in the process of sourcing those requirements right now,” the senior military official said.  

“We also anticipate that there could be some additional airborne intelligence, surveillance and support assets that would move down to the border to increase situational awareness,” the official added.  

Regarding DOD’s future activity on the border, the senior defense official said that — while there are no specifics to release at the moment — there will be a number of additional border enforcement missions developing.  

“This is going to be a big priority for the department under the acting secretary and the secretary that will be coming on board,” the defense official said.  

“In short order, will develop and execute additional missions in cooperation with DHS, federal agencies, and state partners to address the full range of threats outlined by the at our nation’s borders,” Salesses’ statement reads.  

“President Trump directed action from on securing our nation’s borders and made clear he expects immediate results. That is exactly what our military is doing under his leadership,” the statement concludes. 

From the 2^nd Marine Aircraft Wing   

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. – Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 251, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), reactivated during a ceremony on Thursday aboard Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, North Carolina, following a four-year, seven-month hiatus.  

VMFA-251, known as the “Thunderbolts” or “T-Bolts,” was previously deactivated during a ceremony on April 23, 2020, aboard MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, after returning from deployment in 2020 in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. The Thunderbolts’ deactivation concluded its 34 years as an F/A-18 Hornet squadron. The squadron was then relocated to MCAS Cherry Point to begin its transition to the F-35.  

VMFA-251 received its first F-35C Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter delivery on Sept. 17, 2024, marking a key milestone in the squadron’s transition process. VMFA-251 is the Marine Corps’ first East Coast-based operational F-35C Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter squadron.  

The F-35 is a fifth-generation fighter jet with advanced stealth, agility and maneuverability, sensor and information fusion, and provides the pilot with real-time access to battlespace information. It is designed to meet an advanced threat, while improving lethality, survivability, and supportability. The F-35C is designed to operate from conventional aircraft carriers or land bases and provides operational maneuverability and persistence to the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF). Superior internal fuel capacity results in a significantly increased combat radius and longer on-station times as compared to the F-35B, the F-35’s short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) variant. 

“Today, almost 83 years to the day after it was founded, VMFA-251 reactivates as an F-35C Lightning II squadron. The T-Bolts are humbled and honored for the privilege of carrying that proud legacy forward,” said Lt. Col. Evan Shockley, commanding officer, VMFA-251. “Our immediate focus is working towards initial operational capability, which means that VMFA-251 has enough operational F-35C Lightning II aircraft, trained pilots, maintainers, and support equipment to self-sustain its mission essential tasks. Following that, we will turn our attention towards reaching full operational capability to ensure that, when called upon, the T-Bolts will stand ready to serve our great nation.” 

VMFA-251 is a subordinate unit of 2nd MAW, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.   

Updated data link is the first to incorporate the BE-CDL waveform, which enables faster communications 

From Northrop Grumman 

ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill. – Dec. 5, 2024 –Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has been selected by the U.S. Marine Corps to provide Advanced Tactical Data Links (ATDL) in LITENING electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) targeting pods on F/A-18 aircraft. ATDL’s technology allows for faster transfer speeds compared to previous waveforms, enabling more rapid decision making. 

The LITENING pod’s ATDL is the first tactical aircraft data link to use the Bandwidth Efficient Common Data Link (BE-CDL) waveform, which enables faster communications. 

ATDL’s secure, two-way, multi-band link allows for the transmission of video, still images and metadata to enhance mission precision. 

Operators in the air and on the ground can view the same live video feed simultaneously. 

Expert:  

James Conroy, vice president, navigation, targeting and survivability, Northrop Grumman: “LITENING’s high-definition sensors on the advanced EO/IR targeting pod gather critical information, enabling more rapid decision making. The ATDL enhancement is like upgrading to better Wi-Fi by building on LITENING’s already proven data links, making live feeds immediately available on the ground – a critical capability in our modern environment.” 

Details:  

The ATDL is a replacement for the Plug-and-Play II data link and can be added to any fourth generation or newer LITENING pod, including the G4, SE, LDP, Color and Large Aperture variants. It incorporates an updated processor, software-defined radio, wideband antenna and improved data recorder. LITENING is the first targeting pod to include the BE-CDL waveform, which enhances interoperability and increases data transfer rates for video, still images and metadata. Previous LITENING data link integrations include NET-T, which functions like a secure airborne Wi-Fi router, and other data terminals including the Mobile Ad-hoc Network and Freedom 550 radios which can connect multiple users across aircraft generations and domains. 

LITENING is an electro-optical/infrared targeting pod on aircrafts that detects, acquires, identifies and tracks targets at extended ranges. LITENING enables a wide range of missions, including precision targeting, air superiority, close air support, surveillance and humanitarian assistance. The pod’s modular design allows for upgrades over time to keep pace with evolving mission needs. Northrop Grumman has delivered more than 900 LITENING pods to U.S. and international customers. 

From Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command 

The USS Wasp Amphibious Ready Group, consisting of warships USS Wasp (LHD 1), USS New York (LPD 21), and USS Oak Hill (LSD 51), is scheduled to return to Hampton Roads on Dec. 6 following a seven-month deployment to the U.S. 6th Fleet areas of operations. 

Marines assigned to the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) previously departed the ARG ships and returned to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. 

While deployed, the Wasp ARG and 24th MEU (SOC) team supported a wide range of interoperability opportunities and exercises across the North Atlantic, Eastern Mediterranean, and Baltic region, increasing combat readiness and crisis response capabilities while strengthening relationships with both Allies and partners.  

From Fleet Readiness Center East, Dec. 2, 2024 

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. — Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) marked a milestone in its support of the F-35 Lightning II program when the depot recently inducted and completed modifications on its 150th F-35 and returned the aircraft to the Fleet. 

FRCE is the lead site for depot-level maintenance on the F-35B Lightning II and has conducted modifications and repair on the Marine Corps’ short takeoff-vertical landing variant of the aircraft since 2013. The depot has also worked with the F-35A (conventional takeoff and landing) and F-35C (carrier) variants. 

“The F-35 plays such a crucial role in our national defense,” said FRCE Commanding Officer Capt. Randy Berti. “It is the next-generation strike aircraft weapon systems for the Navy, Air Force, Marines and our allies. It gives our warfighters unprecedented capabilities. We’re extremely proud of the support we provide for this aircraft. 

“The F-35 was completely new when the first aircraft was inducted in 2013,” continued Berti. “There were a lot of unknowns. Inducting our 150th F-35 highlights how far we’ve come and how dedicated and innovative our people are. They were constantly breaking new ground and they continue to do that today.” 

Dustin Schultz, an aircraft planner and estimator with FRCE’s F-35 team, was one of those trailblazers. 

“Everything was brand new in the beginning,” said Schultz. “From engineering support to tooling and logistics, we were starting from scratch. We had one aircraft with six of us working on it. Now we have 130 artisans working on the F-35 alone. That’s a lot of growth. 

“We have other aircraft programs that are sundowning,” he continued. “The F-35 is filling that gap now as we move forward.” 

According to Ike Rettenmair, FRCE’s F-35 branch head, the depots F-35 workload has grown exponentially over the years and is expected to expand further. 

“I was in the hangar as a Harrier mechanic when the first F-35 rolled in,” said Rettenmair. “We’ve grown from that one stall to what will soon be multiple hangars of F-35s. The F-35 plays such a significant role in the U.S. military with more and more continuing to enter the Fleet. The number of F-35s used by international partners is also growing. Our F-35 workload goes hand in hand with all of this.” 

As the F-35 program continues to grow at the depot, Rettenmair said FRCE continues to expand and develop key F-35 support elements. 

FRCE declared capability on its first F-35 component – meaning FRCE is now a verified source of repair and testing for that item – in 2020. Since then, the depot has declared capability on approximately 76 different components for the Lightning II and continues to stand up capability. 

In 2023, FRCE personnel became the first within the Department of Defense to perform the successful assembly of a lift fan clutch for the F-35B Lightning II aircraft outside of the original manufacturer’s facility. Additionally, F-35B vertical lift fan testing and processing facilities are scheduled to come online at FRCE in early 2025. 

The depot is also capable of bringing F-35 support to the warfighter when and where it’s needed. FRCE’s F-35 Rapid Response Team, made up of highly skilled, cross-trained aircraft maintenance professionals, can deploy at a moment’s notice to any location, from a Marine Corps Air Station halfway around the globe to a Navy aircraft carrier afloat in the Indo-Pacific region. 

FRCE’s F-35 support isn’t limited to aircraft repair and modification or component capabilities. Don Werner, an aircraft planner and estimator with FRCE’s F-35 team,  said the lessons learned and the innovation that occurred over the years while expanding FRCE’s F-35 program have also found their way to the warfighter. 

“There are so many entities within FRC East working on things you would never even think of,” said Werner. “They create things and come up with ideas that enable us to get aircraft to the warfighter even faster while saving money in the long run. They create things that make the job easier and these go out to the whole Fleet.” 

In addition to mechanics, Werner said the team includes quality assurance personnel, parts and logistics experts, planners, engineers and even fabric workers who design and produce heavy-duty protective covers for the aircraft’s tires, intakes and other parts. 

“You can see people right here at the depot working on all these things,” said Werner. “They’re designing it, going down to manufacturing and coming up with the tools or equipment our people need because there’s nobody out there that’s going to get it to us in such a timely manner.” 

Schultz said the warfighter benefits from the innovative processes and procedures the depot’s F-35 team has come up with over the years. 

“We’ve had many modifications that come through here that we were performing for the first time ever,” said Schultz. “The manufacturer would say this mod is going to take 10,000 hours and our artisans and engineers would go look at it and end up saving thousands of hours because they came up with a new way to do the job that nobody else had thought of.” 

According to Rettenmair, the success and expansion of the F-35 program at FRCE, lies with the depot’s personnel. He credited their dedication and innovation as instrumental in establishing the reputation of FRCE’s F-35 program. 

“We’ve made a name for ourselves as the F-35 facility for depot maintenance,” said Rettenmair. ”It shows the trust and confidence the enterprise has in FRC East to do this work. That trust is a testament to the people working here who’ve earned us this reputation.” 

He said everyone at FRCE, no matter what their job, is committed to supporting the Fleet by providing the highest quality, combat ready aircraft and components. 

“Every day when we come to work, we know why we’re here,” said Rettenmair. “We deliver product back to the Fleet so the warfighter has what he or she needs to fight and win. The people working here take a lot of pride in that.” 

FRCE is North Carolina’s largest maintenance, repair, overhaul and technical services provider, with more than 4,000 civilian, military and contract workers. Its annual revenue exceeds $1 billion. The depot provides service to the fleet while functioning as an integral part of the greater U.S. Navy; Naval Air Systems Command; and Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers.