Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW), a naval aviation repair and maintenance facility based at the NAS North Island, is embarking on a significant transition in naval aviation maintenance as the Navy gradually phases out its legacy F/A-18A-D series. This shift marks the inclusion of the F-16 fighgter as a major program for FRCSW’s Depot team operations.
Photo by Janina Lamoglia
In response to the approaching retirement of the F/A-18 series, FRCSW has been gearing up to incorporate the F-16 into its maintenance repertoire. The pivotal decision came in February 2023 when the U.S. Air Force repair capacity reached its peak. PMA-226, the F-16 Program Office, turned to FRCSW to establish a depot repair line for the F-16 C and D models. Leading this crucial task is Jacob Weintraub, the MRO-E Offsite Division Head at FRCSW, leveraging his over two decades of experience working on Hornets.
Unlike the scheduled maintenance approach for the F/A-18, the F-16’s maintenance strategy is based on discovery and subsequent repairs based on isolated, specific inspections. The organic capabilities and expertise of FRCSW’s engineers and artisans are expected to facilitate a seamless transition, particularly given the structural similarities between the F-16 and the F/A-18 A-D model.
This strategic move not only positions FRCSW as a hub for F-16 maintenance but also potentially makes it an attractive option for future Air Force repair workloads. The ongoing collaboration between FRCSW, PMA-226, and Fleet Readiness Center Southeast (FRCSE) underscores comprehensive planning, including specialized training, documentation acquisition, inventory management, and team formation.
The F-16s will undergo rigorous structural inspections to ensure compliance with certified design lifespans. Additionally, in-service repair (ISR) capabilities enable depot repair maintenance at locations like Naval Air Station Fallon.
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