“Out in the fleet, the Marines and Sailors are expecting a quality product from us,” said Hotelling. “We have to give them a quality product they can trust. They can do their inspections, take it on the boat, and go wherever they need to go with total confidence that it is going to perform as we say it will. Providing a safe, effective aircraft for the warfighter is what it all really boils down to.”
In the course of their duties, the Marines work closely with the depot’s civilian artisans. For Cpl. Devon Schoff, a CH-53 crew chief at FRCE, this was the first time he had worked with such a large number of civilians.
“Working with so many civilians was a bit strange at first,” said Schoff. “I worked with a handful at my last squadron, so I had some experience working around civilians and contractors, but not on this scale. Here at FRCE, it’s roughly 30 Marines to 4,000 civilians.”
Although civilian employees far outnumber FRCE’s uniformed personnel, many are no stranger to the military. Hotelling said FRCE’s workforce includes a large number of military veterans, many of whom worked on the same aircraft during their time in uniform.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkRZOQYqwcc
“Something like 40% of the artisans we employ are former military,” said Hotelling. “They bring to the table this wide range of experience. We have people here with 30, 40 and even 50 years of experience working on a specific aircraft platform.”
Boyer said working closely with this highly skilled and dedicated workforce makes the often complicated process of getting an aircraft out to the fleet easier.
“There’s so much expertise here and there’s so many different people that are all willing to help you,” said Boyer. “I’m only a phone call or two away from an engines, components or manufacturing expert, and getting any answers that I need.”
This close collaboration between the Marines and their civilian colleagues is essential when solving issues that can arise when working on the aircraft. Hotelling said working on the helicopters can be demanding, as no two are alike.
“These aircraft can be finicky,” said Hotelling. “Each one has its own unique issue that we have to work around. Figuring out that solution with the artisans and with the pilots can be extremely challenging, but it’s also the most rewarding aspect of the job.”
Another function of the Marines working in the H-53 program is to serve as advocates for the fleet, Boyer added.
“We are the fleet’s voice within FRCE,” said Boyer. “FRCE is a huge machine. These artisans get the aircraft, break them down, repair them and put them all back together. Throughout that entire process, we’re here to make sure that the things that need to get fixed for the fleet are getting fixed, and that we’re communicating with the fleet.”
Once maintenance, repair and overhaul processes are complete, and all necessary checks and inspections have been conducted, the final step for FRCE’s H-53 Military Branch is the delivery of the aircraft to the squadron. The aircraft is towed to the flight line, where the H-53 Military Branch works side by side with FRCE civilian artisans to conduct a functional check flight. This determines whether an aircraft airframe, engine or engines, accessories, or equipment is functioning according to established standards while the aircraft operates in its intended environment
After the functional check flight is completed, Boyer and Maj. Brittany Fayos, FRCE’s Rotary Wing Division deputy and a CH-53 pilot, will fly the aircraft to its squadron, with crew chiefs Hotelling and Schoff aboard.
The CH-53 and MH-53 helicopters leaving the depot go to both Navy and Marine Corps units in the eastern half of the United States, where pilots will fly them on missions ranging from training flights to real world operations. According to Schoff, supporting the fleet on this scale is what makes an assignment to FRCE unique for Marines.
“I think our mission at FRCE is special,” said Schoff. “There’s nothing else like it. In the squadrons, the mission is to get flights out, train new people and be ready to fight. Our mission as Marines here is to make sure the fleet has the aircraft to complete their warfighting mission. I feel that being here, I’m able to support all my brothers and sisters in uniform.”
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.
Learn more at FRCE.
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