Fleet Readiness Center Southeast’s Jacksonville Team Launches Cutting-Edge Fiber Optics Repair Service

In a historical achievement, Fleet Readiness Center Southeast (FRCSE) Detachment Jacksonville has been certified as the Navy’s first intermediate-level fiber optics Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) maintenance facility. This landmark certification promises enhanced operational readiness across the NAVAIR domain and particularly supports the P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.

The newly established Miniature/Micro-miniature Electronics Repair and Module Test and Repair (2M/MTR) fiber optics work center is now equipped with advanced diagnostic tools, including a high-resolution optical time domain reflectometer (HROTDR). This sophisticated device identifies issues like bends and breaks in fiber optics cables using laser technology, which is crucial for fabricating new cables that adhere to precise engineering standards.

The journey to certification began two years ago when FRCSE’s P-8 Fleet Support Team identified a pattern of damaged fiber optic network cables contributing to reduced aircraft availability and costly repairs. “With proper training and certification,” explained FRCSE P-8A FST electrical engineer Alex Garcia, “we realized we could provide faster and more cost-effective repairs.”

Recognizing the need for internal capability development, engineers created local engineering specifications, essential for authorized I-level fiber optic repairs. Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class Michael Parker recounted the search for certification options, ultimately leading to collaboration with the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), as NAVAIR lacked a dedicated fiber optics program.

Although NAVSEA could not offer aviation-specific fiber optics repair capability, they laid the groundwork for a NAVAIR program through the certification process handled by representatives from the fiber optic test and repair (FOTR) program at Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC). This process swiftly concluded during a visit to Naval Air Station Jacksonville.

The certification affirmed the presence of adequately trained fiber optic technicians and the necessary NAVAIR-approved test equipment at FRSCE, according to Richard Scott, the FOTR certification agent. Subsequently, KITCO Fiber Optics facilitated two weeks of intensive training at NAS Jacksonville, enabling the team to drastically reduce repair times from months to mere days.

Detachment Jacksonville is now setting a global precedent by helping establish similar fiber optics work centers in locations such as Whidbey Island, Washington; Misawa, Japan; Sigonella, Sicily; and Bahrain, as well as aboard aircraft worldwide. This initiative is bolstering fleet readiness and preparing FRCSE to tackle future technological challenges.

About Fleet Readiness Center Southeast:

Fleet Readiness Center Southeast (FRCSE) is the largest maintenance, repair, and overhaul provider in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia, with a workforce of approximately 5,000. Generating over $1 billion annually, FRCSE is a critical component of the U.S. Navy, NAVAIR, and Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers, ensuring the maintenance of America’s military airpower.