FRCE Begins Historic First Maintenance of Navy’s CMV-22B Aircraft

Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) recently achieved a significant milestone on August 21 by accepting its first Navy CMV-22B Osprey for maintenance. This event marks FRCE’s expansion into servicing all three variants of the V-22 platform: Marine Corps MV-22B, Air Force CV-22, and now, the Navy’s CMV-22B.

The CMV-22B is the latest addition to the Osprey family, having entered service in June 2020 on the West Coast and is slated for the East Coast in April 2024. In contrast, the Marine Corps MV-22B has been operational since 2007, and the Air Force’s CV-22 came into service in 2009. FRCE is tasked with the maintenance of the Navy’s East Coast CMV-22B fleet.

FRCE Commanding Officer Capt. Randy J. Berti attributed this new workload to the facility’s longstanding reputation for quality craftsmanship. “Maintaining all three V-22 variants highlights the excellence our team consistently delivers,” Berti stated. He expressed pride in the Navy’s trust and emphasized the real-world impact of their work for the nation’s warfighters.

The Navy employs the CMV-22B for long-range, medium-lift aerial logistics, including crucial carrier onboard delivery (COD) missions. Similar to all V-22 aircraft, the CMV-22B can perform vertical/short takeoff and landing like a helicopter, yet fly as a turboprop. It offers enhanced operational range compared to its predecessor, the MV-22B, and brings flexibility over the older C-2A Greyhound.

Allen Williamson, head of the FRCE V-22 branch, stated the depot will provide Planned Maintenance Interval (PMI) 1 service to the CMV-22B. He expects the maintenance scope to closely follow that of the MV-22B, which they have been servicing since 2009. Despite similar maintenance, the CMV-22B boasts larger stub wing fuel tanks for extended range needed for carrier missions.

Williamson pointed out that as the new CMV-22Bs have minimal flight hours, they are effectively in new condition. He emphasized the need to regard the maintenance as a new capability, urging artisans to approach the work with fresh perspectives.

The CMV-22B’s distinct paint job is another maintenance consideration, according to Paint and Clean Branch Head Matt Sinsel. The high-gloss paint requires different application techniques compared to the standard MV-22B. However, Sinsel assured this is familiar territory for his team, given past experiences with various Marine and Air Force aircraft.

Moreover, the unique paint scheme offers the depot an opportunity to use its laser projection system, which has enhanced efficiency in applying aircraft markings accurately since January.

Despite potential challenges of adapting to maintain a new aircraft variant, FRCE leaders view this as an opportunity to showcase their capability in roundly supporting the V-22 family. Williamson noted the V-22 program’s strong reputation and sees the addition of CMV-22B as a natural expansion. He believes their proven track record was crucial for the Navy’s confidence in entrusting them with this new task.

FRCE stands as North Carolina’s largest provider of maintenance, repair, overhaul, and technical services, with a workforce exceeding 4,000 and annual revenues topping $1 billion, functioning as a vital part of the broader U.S. Navy structure.