The partnership between Fleet Readiness Center Southeast (FRCSE) and Pratt & Whitney (P&W) United Technologies Company to repair EA-6B “Prowler” aircraft J52 engine components officially came to a close during a short presentation ceremony at the military depot Aug. 14.
P&W representatives thanked the FRCSE team for 12 years of dedicated service in supporting the program which has end with the induction of the last “Prowler” aircraft at the military depot.
The Navy is scheduled to transition to the follow-on EA-18G “Growler” in 2015, and the Marine Corps will continue to fly the aircraft until its final sundown in 2019.
“We began this contract in 2002 to repair 10 different components,” said P&W J52 Logistics Program Manager Steven Stephan. “This was soon expanded to 15 components. After 12 years of doing business, we have delivered 21,507 components to support the fleet, and we currently have a two-year inventory of these components for future use.”
“The first yearly contract between FRCSE and P&W began in 2002,” said FRCSE Business Operations Tactical and Engines Program Manager Michael Schoonover. “The contract was renewed each year with specific induction quantities. FRCSE has been repairing the J52 engines since the early 70s, so it made sense for us to develop a partnership with Pratt & Whitney for the components of this engine.”
The partnership identified and implemented initiatives that improved product support to the fleet with decreasing costs, repair turnaround time and reduced material scrap rates.
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