FRCE’s AV-8B production line recently completed its last scheduled maintenance for VMA-542 at MCAS Cherry Point. Credit: US Navy.

The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) has announced a major milestone in the Fleet Readiness Center East’s (FRCE) AV-8B Harrier maintenance programme.

The facility successfully completed and returned the final refurbished AV-8B Harrier aircraft to Marine Attack Squadron 542 (VMA-542) at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point.

The aircraft has been in planned maintenance interval (PMI) inspection and integrated maintenance programme assembly at FRCE since December last year, according to NAVAIR.

Since the PMI’s inception in 2003, Fleet Readiness Center East has performed a total of 45 of the events for the VMA-542 squadron.

The VMA-542 is expected to become MCAS’ first F-35 squadron, post which depot maintenance will be ceased for AV-8B Harriers.

FRCE Fixed Wing Division director Ike Rettenmair said: “You’ve got a lot of blood, sweat and tears invested in the airplane, but you also understand that it’s time to move on.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“There’s better technology out there with the F-35. It’s time, but it’s still kind of sad to see.”

The AV-8B is a vertical/short take-off and landing (V/STOL) fighter and attack aircraft.

FRCE AV-8 planner and estimator Jeff Broughton said: “Everyone knew we had to meet the turnaround time for the fleet, trying to make the boat, and it gave the team a ‘we can do this’ mentality.

“The whole team chipped in their full support to meet the squadron’s needs.”

In September 2019, the FRCE completed planned fly-in maintenance on the last USMC AV-8B Harrier aircraft and delivered the completely assembled Harrier jet to Marine Attack Training Squadron 203.