Berti Takes the Helm at FRCE

Captain Randy J. Berti Assumes Command of Fleet Readiness Center East

On September 12, Capt. Randy J. Berti officially took command of Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) from Capt. James M. Belmont in a formal change of command ceremony.

Capt. Belmont, a native of Chicago, Illinois, concluded a distinguished 30-year military career with this ceremony. He had led FRCE since April 2022, following an 11-month tenure as the depot’s executive officer. Belmont’s leadership focused on delivering high-quality, combat-ready aircraft and components to the nation’s warfighters while prioritizing workforce safety.

Belmont expressed pride in FRCE’s long-standing history since its establishment in 1943. “Being part of FRC East’s 80-year history and leading its exceptional workforce has been the highest honor,” he stated.

During his tenure, Belmont secured significant future workload and expanded FRCE’s capabilities. In 2022, the U.S. Air Force designated FRCE as the Depot Source of Repair (DSOR) for critical components of the MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter and the HH-60W Jolly Green II. This work is set to commence as early as fiscal year 2027.

In 2023, FRCE was appointed as the repair point for Navy and Marine Corps C/KC-130J Super Hercules and C/KC-130T Hercules aircraft, starting in fiscal year 2026. Belmont also collaborated with state and local officials to break ground at the North Carolina Global TransPark, paving the way for future Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force workload.

Belmont noted that the demands on warfighters would continue to grow and that FRCE is expanding to meet these needs. Under his command, FRCE earned several Department of Defense (DOD) and Navy-level awards for environmental and safety management. These accolades included the Secretary of the Navy Environmental Award for Sustainability and the DOD Safety and Occupational Health Management System Achievement Award.

Remarkably, FRCE achieved its lowest number of Occupational Safety and Health Administration recordable mishaps in history by the end of 2023. The North Carolina Department of Labor also recognized FRCE with four “Million Hour” awards and its seventh consecutive “Gold Award” for workforce safety.

In recognition of his service, Capt. Belmont was awarded the Legion of Merit, a prestigious decoration for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements.

Incoming commander Capt. Berti, a native of Erie, Pennsylvania, expressed confidence in the FRCE team. “I am surrounded by a dedicated team committed to supporting the warfighter,” Berti remarked. “Their daily efforts directly impact our military’s readiness, and I look forward to continuing this important work together.”

Berti, a graduate of Embry-Riddle University, began his military career in the Air Force in 1992 before transferring to the Navy as an aerospace maintenance duty officer. His 32-year career includes various operational and leadership roles, both ashore and at sea.

Berti previously commanded Fleet Readiness Center Western Pacific and held roles with Strike Fighter Squadron 34 and aboard the USS Harry S. Truman. His vast experience also includes logistics and quality assurance positions within the Naval Undergraduate Flight Training Systems Program Office.

Joining FRCE as the new executive officer is Col. Christopher C. McDonald, who previously commanded Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point.