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News | July 25, 2022

FRCSW Supports Marine Corps CH-53E Helos

By Jim Markle

For more than 40 years, the CH-53E Super Stallion heavy-lift helicopter has been a workhorse in the logistical support of naval and Marine Corps missions throughout the world.
 
The Sikorsky-built aircraft is one of the largest helicopters ever produced by the Defense Department, capable of transporting up to 30 personnel or 30,000 pounds of cargo.
 
About 140 of the helicopters remain in service. They are found in naval squadrons on the East and West Coast, and those assigned to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar (MCAS) are maintained and repaired by Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW).
 
Of the more than 100 personnel who comprise the FRCSW CH-53 program, about 80 are artisans who are sheet metal mechanics (the largest group), electricians and mechanics. Other contributing teammates include production control and planners.
 
The command’s CH-53 program operates in Building 333 where fiberglass and component work is completed, and Building 378 where the remaining airframe work is done.
 
Maintenance of the Super Stallion is based upon a 54-month cycle called the Integrated Maintenance Program (IMP).

Requiring approximately 21,000 manhours per aircraft, the IMP targets structural repairs to the fuselage and includes replacing the skin, transition bulkhead, cockpit floorboard, any KAPTON electrical wiring upgrades and corrosion repairs throughout the aircraft.
 
After induction, FRCSW artisans disassemble the helicopter and start the IMP inspection specifications. Disassembly typically includes electronic and mechanical components so the artisans can access areas of the airframe for metalwork.
 
The IMP combines organizational level (O-level), or work normally assigned to Marine Corps squadrons, with depot-level work.

Artisan O-level work, which is funded through the Depot Readiness Initiative (DRI) and 1A1A, or Mission and Other Flight Operations, totals approximately 750 hours annually.

Looking forward, the CH-53E program is applying Naval Sustainment System (NSS) concepts to its operations including the establishment of a production control center to better manage maintenance phases of the airframe.

The NSS was introduced to the command two years ago to improve fleet readiness by combining best commercial practices with creative solutions throughout the production lines.

FRCSW returns about 10 Super Stallions to the fleet annually.
 
 
 

March 20, 2025

Fleet Readiness Center Southwest - Three Carriers

Established in 1919, Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW) personnel have been the Backbone of Readiness for more than 105 years. Here we see three aircraft carriers docked at NAS North Island in 1975. The USS Hancock, USS Constellation and USS Kitty Hawk all served with designation and their aircraft would not have been able to keep flying without the knowledge and effort of FRCSW employees.

March 13, 2025

Fleet Readiness Center Southwest Aviation Maintenance Inspection (AMI) Success

Checklists, audits and inspections….these checks and balances ensure accuracy and reliability in products delivered while at the same time fostering efficiency, accountability and effectiveness within an organization. Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW) underwent a Naval Aviation Maintenance Program (NAMP) audit that concluded on February 11, 2025.

Feb. 19, 2025

FRCSW Showcases Cold Spray Technology at 2024 DoD Maintenance Symposium

Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW) participated in the 2024 Department of Defense (DoD) Maintenance Symposium, held in December at the Salt Palace Convention Center. The symposium, the only official DoD event focused solely on the maintenance and sustainment of weapon systems and equipment, attracted over 2,300 professionals from military, government, industry, and academia.

Feb. 7, 2025

FRCSW Wins People’s Choice Award at 2024 Maintenance Innovation Challenge

Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW) received the People’s Choice Award at the 2024 Maintenance Innovation Challenge (MIC) for its presentation on cold spray technology, a repair process designed to restore corroded and damaged naval aircraft components.

Dec. 20, 2024

FRCSW Achieves Eighth Consecutive Year of Production Excellence

Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW) has once again demonstrated its ability to surpass expectations, exceeding its targeted production goals by four aircraft. This marks the eighth consecutive year the command has exceeded aircraft production targets. This remarkable success demonstrates the tireless dedication and hard work of the entire team, especially the artisans on the production floor, who continue to rise to every challenge.

Dec. 19, 2024

FRCSW Begins New Chapter with F-16 Workload

Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW) is the Navy’s premier West Coast aircraft repair, maintenance, and overhaul organization specializing in Navy and Marine Corps aircraft and their related systems. The command has officially added the F-16 Falcon to its workload, marking a significant milestone in the facility’s ongoing mission to sustain Naval Aviation. Known for its expertise in maintaining Navy and Marine Corps aircraft, FRCSW now provides critical F-16 support to the US Navy squadrons of Naval Aviation Warfare Development Command (NAWDC) and Fighter Squadron Composite 13 (VFC-13).

Oct. 31, 2024

FRCSW Bids Farewell to Its Last Legacy Aircraft

Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW) has been a pillar of naval aviation maintenance since its establishment in 1919. Over the decades, the facility has supported the U.S. Navy’s mission readiness, ensuring iconic aircraft like the F-14 Tomcat, A-6 Intruder, and S-3 Viking remained airworthy. Now, FRCSW signifies a major shift with the final maintenance of its last legacy aircraft—an F/A-18 Hornet.

Oct. 23, 2024

FRCSW Enhances Fleet Readiness with 3D Printing Technology

Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW) is leveraging advanced 3D printing technology to address supply chain delays and improve fleet readiness. The Stratasys F-900 3D printer, an industrial-grade system capable of producing high-performance thermoplastics, recently played a key role in manufacturing a critical F/A-18 button plug, traditionally supplied via injection molding.

Oct. 10, 2024

Quality Management at FRCSW

Quality Management at FRCSW

Oct. 10, 2024

FRCSW Civilian of the Quarter

FRCSW Civilian of the Quarter