FRCE Commanding Officer Col. Thomas A. Atkinson discussed with the legislators potential partnerships that could facilitate workload expansion opportunities both at FRCE’s Global TransPark facility and within the depot’s footprint at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point.
“It was a pleasure and an honor to show Senator Tillis and Congressman Murphy the great work Fleet Readiness Center East is accomplishing here at the Global TransPark in Kinston,” said Atkinson. “This visit also gave us a chance provide them with awareness of how our depot is leveraging this unique entity and exploring other opportunities with GTP to create capacity for additional work.”
Tillis currently serves on four U.S. Senate committees including the Armed Services Committee and Veterans’ Affairs Committee; Murphy represents North Carolina’s 3rd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Both have been very supportive of FRCE and our requirements for new military construction via legislation and other advocacy, Atkinson said.
“The potential of the partnerships we’re currently pursuing with the state and the Global TransPark is extraordinary,” said Stephen Barrow, FRCE’s Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Logistics department head. “Realizing these opportunities not only greatly enhances and expands the ability of FRC East to support the warfighter’s mission, but also solidifies the facility’s presence aboard MCAS Cherry Point and in eastern North Carolina for generations to come.”
According to Atkinson, the partnership with the Global TransPark has opened the doors to other possibilities the depot didn’t recognize when it first moved its H-1 operation to Kinston earlier this year.
“This partnership has been a win-win for everyone involved,” said Atkinson. “Not only has it helped us diversify and increase our presence in North Carolina, it also brought Global TransPark an additional aviation anchor point to the region.”
FRCE relocated its H-1 aircraft line from MCAS Cherry Point to the Global TransPark in March. The move helped FRCE reclaim hangar space to support V-22 Osprey and H-53 heavy-lift helicopter programs. The footprint at Kinston also allows for the possibility of housing future overflow work.
“As our workload continues to increase, we see our presence at the GTP as vital to meeting our facility’s needs,” Atkinson said. “Our partnership with GTP will allow us meet future workload requirements without impacting current commitments.
“North Carolina is truly the nation’s most military friendly state,” Atkinson added. “In 2019, we received a gift of $5 million from the state of North Carolina to support F-35 Lightning II-related infrastructure at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point.”
FRCE is North Carolina's largest maintenance, repair, overhaul and technical services provider, with more than 4,000 civilian, military and contract workers. FRCE contributes more than $1 billion to the regional economy and provides career opportunities in technical fields, with an average annual salary of $72,000. The facility generates combat air power for America’s Marines and naval forces while serving as an integral part of the greater U.S. Navy; Naval Air Systems Command; and Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers.