An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

News from around the Fleet

FRCE Employee Retires After 70 Years of Military, Civil Service

22 August 2023

From Joe Andes

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. - Freddie Dawkins, a pneudraulics systems mechanic at Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE), recently celebrated an extraordinary milestone, retiring from federal service after 70 years of combined military and civilian service. 

Freddie Dawkins, a pneudraulics systems mechanic at Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE), celebrated his retirement from federal service after 70 years of combined military and civilian service.

FRCE Commanding Officer Capt. James M. Belmont recognized Dawkins’ accomplishments during a ceremony at the depot July 27.

“Mr. Dawkins has had an extraordinary career,” Belmont said. “For seventy years, he has dedicated himself to serving our nation. It’s remarkable when you think about it. He has served under every U.S. president since Eisenhower. He exemplifies commitment and faithful service.”

Dawkins’ lengthy federal service career began January 1, 1953, when he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in the aircraft and engine mechanic career field. Dawkins was 17 years old at the time.

“Once I got in and got over being nervous, it was the best thing that happened to me,” said Dawkins. “It was strict but it taught us discipline. It taught us to be men, because when we came in, we were just teenagers. I grew up in the Air Force.”

In the early part of his military career, Dawkins served in the distinguished Strategic Air Command, as well as the 31st Fighter Wing at Turner Field, Ga., where he worked with the legendary Tuskegee Airmen.

Dawkins served tours in the Republic of Vietnam between 1966 and 1969. He received the Air Medal — with five oak leaf clusters, representing 125 combat missions flown — and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

After 26 years of military service, Dawkins retired from the Air Force January 31, 1979. It wouldn’t be long however, before he was once again serving his country.

Dawkins used the Montgomery GI Bill to study aircraft and engine maintenance. He then worked with a military contractor, working on C-5 Galaxy aircraft, for a short while before taking a federal service position at Naval Air Station Alameda in California. This marked the start of Dawkins’ 44 years of civilian federal service.

Dawkins worked as a pneudraulics systems mechanic — disassembling, assembling, repairing and overhauling various turbine compressor assemblies daily — with Naval Air Systems Command since January 1981.

He received orders to relocate to the Naval Aviation Depot, now known as Fleet Readiness Center East, at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in January 1995.

“I was happy here,” said Dawkins. “When we transferred here, my family and I came to a new area and a new job. We were accepted and blended in. I've had a good time. I was able to do what I needed to do and do what I loved to do.”

Known to all at the depot as “Mr. Fred,” Dawkins was well known at FRCE for his work ethic and extensive expertise.

“He shows up to work early and is ready to go when the bell rings,” said Michael VanWolput, the supervisor for FRCE’s Starters and Turbines shop and Auxiliary Power Unit and Fuel Controls shop. “He doesn’t mess around. He is one of the best workers I've ever had the pleasure of working with.”

VanWolput said Dawkins’ brought a wealth of expertise to the depot, gained through seven decades of experience working in aviation maintenance.

“He's brought so much to the shop, especially about disassembly and assembly of the older-style units,” said VanWolput. “These are units that aren't very common anymore because those particular aircraft are going away. He knows all those units.”

Dawkins was generous in sharing his expertise. He credited the mentorship he received throughout his career as a crucial element to his success.

“Come in with a positive attitude and be willing to learn and take the advice from the senior people,” said Dawkins. “Don't sit still. Get in, do your job, and pay attention. You do those things and should be able to advance, no matter what your career field is.”

According to VanWolput, Dawkins did more than pay attention and do his job, he personified commitment and dedication during his 70 years of service. 

“Seeing how long he's been doing this — and he loves it — you realize just how completely dedicated he is to supporting the war fighter and America,” said VanWolput. “He will be missed.”

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 www.navair.navy.mil/frce or https://www.facebook.com/FleetReadinessCenterEast.

 

Google Translation Disclaimer

  • Google Translate, a third party service provided by Google, performs all translations directly and dynamically.
  • Commander, U.S. Navy Region Korea, cnrk.cnic.navy.mil has no control over the features, functions, or performance of the Google Translate service.
  • The automated translations should not be considered exact and should be used only as an approximation of the original English language content.
  • This service is meant solely for the assistance of limited English-speaking users of the website.
  • Commander, U.S. Navy Region Korea, cnrk.cnic.navy.mil does not warrant the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of any information translated.
  • Some items cannot be translated, including but not limited to image buttons, drop down menus, graphics, photos, or portable document formats (pdfs).
  • Commander, U.S. Navy Region Korea, cnrk.cnic.navy.mil does not directly endorse Google Translate or imply that it is the only language translation solution available to users.
  • All site visitors may choose to use similar tools for their translation needs. Any individuals or parties that use Commander, U.S. Navy Region Korea, cnrk.cnic.navy.mil content in translated form, whether by Google Translate or by any other translation services, do so at their own risk.
  • IE users: Please note that Google Translate may not render correctly when using Internet Explorer. Users are advised to use MS Edge, Safari, Chrome, or Firefox browser to take full advantage of the Google Translate feature.
  • The official text of content on this site is the English version found on this website. If any questions arise related to the accuracy of the information contained in translated text, refer to the English version on this website, it is the official version.

Commander, U.S. Navy Region Korea   |   PSC 478 Box 1   |   FPO AP, 96212-0001
Official U.S. Navy Website