Curtains begin to close on American Harrier fleet

U.S. Fleet Readiness Centre East (FRCE) has concluded its final maintenance event for the AV-8B Harrier, delivering the aircraft to Marine Attack Squadron 223 at Marine Air Station Cherry Point on 26 September.

This event, marking the end of Harrier support at FRCE, was commemorated with a gathering on 20 September, where FRCE leaders and members of the AV-8B programme reflected on the team’s long-standing contributions to the Harrier’s operational success.

“It’s an honour to lead a facility with such a remarkable legacy,” said FRCE Commanding Officer Capt. Randy Berti. “For five decades, FRC East has been at the forefront of supporting the Harrier, ensuring readiness for both the Marine Corps and international allies.” Berti credited generations of FRCE employees for the Harrier’s operational success, expressing pride in their collective achievements.

Since its inception in 1973 with the AV-8A Harrier, FRCE has been pivotal to the Marine Corps’ Harrier programme, initially managing the AV-8A and the F402 engine workload. As the Marine Corps transitions from the Harrier to the F-35 Lightning II, FRCE will pivot its resources and expertise to support this newer platform, continuing its role in U.S. defence with advanced aircraft.

Jeff Broughton, a business operations specialist, highlighted FRCE’s success in maintaining the Harrier fleet on time and within budget, often completing maintenance events ahead of schedule. “Our goal is to stay within budget and be good stewards of funding. Time after time, we’ve exceeded that goal, returning aircraft to the fleet faster and at lower costs than expected,” he said, recalling one memorable instance in 2015 when the team expedited repairs for a Harrier damaged during an attack in Afghanistan, completing the task ahead of schedule and under budget.

The shift from the Harrier to the F-35 Lightning II, while bittersweet, represents a crucial step in FRCE’s ongoing support of military readiness, according to Ike Rettenmair, head of the AV-8 and F-35 branches at FRCE. “It’s a big change, but we’re motivated to continue supporting the warfighter,” he said. Having worked with the Harrier for three decades, Rettenmair acknowledged the transition would be challenging for many, but that the team’s commitment to the fleet remains steadfast.

FRCE is a vital component of the U.S. Navy’s broader Fleet Readiness infrastructure, ensuring that operational needs are met effectively and efficiently.