State, federal and local officials officially announced Tuesday at the North Carolina Global TransPark, a complex will be constructed that the U.S. Navy will use to maintain and repair C-130 and the HH 60W military aircraft.
Officials with the N.C. Global TransPark, the North Carolina Global TransPark Economic Development Region and the U.S. Navy made Tuesday’s announcement from the Fleet Readiness Center East’s UH1-Huey facility, that has been in operations at the Global TransPark since 2021. Officials said the U.S. Navy’s Fleet Readiness Center East, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul complex will create 444 new jobs and $400 million in new investment. Temporary Statewide impacts from operational employment could be as high as 871 jobs, $111,800,00 in labor income and total output of $164,800,000. Temporary Statewide impacts from construction could total up to 4,828 jobs and labor income of $262,400,000 and total output of $697,700,000.
Fleet Readiness Center East located on Marine Corps Air station Cherry Point is the largest employer east of Interstate 95 with over 4000 employees. Their mission is to maintain and operate facilities to perform a complete range of depot level rework operations on designated aviation weapon systems, accessories, and equipment; manufacture parts and assemblies as required; provide engineering services in the development of changes of hardware design; furnish technical services on aircraft maintenance and logistic problems; and perform, upon specific request or assignment, other levels of aircraft maintenance.
Construction is scheduled to begin on the 700,000-square-foot complex later this year and be completed by September 2026.
Senator Thom Tillis was present to kick off the event.
“As the most military-friendly state in America, I’m proud that the Global TransPark has become a magnet for aerospace investment that supports the mission of our fighting men and women,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “This FRC East expansion is a monumental investment in Eastern North Carolina that will create more than 400 great jobs to keep our C-130s in top flying condition.”
“This facility represents a significant investment in North Carolina’s future,” said state Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins. “We’re pleased to support this project because it will mean a great deal to eastern North Carolina and better position the U.S. Navy to execute its mission.”
“I really believe this is transformational for our entire region. I can’t say enough good things about the direction of the TransPark, and the future of partnership with FRC East and what it means not just to them, not just to our military partners, but to everyone in the community. Military construction money is hard to come by, there was an opportunity to bring in the naval and Marine Corps C-130 ′s, bring them back from MOAB, and for FRC East to get that business, but you know they’re huge, those C-130s are just large aircraft, so they needed a great deal of hanger space,” says Jim Perry, Senate Majority Whip.
“This massive MRO complex, with over 16 acres under roof and over 440 new jobs, will be transformative for the GTP. The new complex is a testament to the strength of our partnership with Fleet Readiness Center East,” said Tom Hendrickson, Chairman of the N.C. Global TransPark Authority’s Board of Directors. “It is our largest and most significant collaboration to date, offering unparalleled support for military aviation maintenance while also boosting economic prosperity in our community. This project will bring high-quality jobs to the area, stimulate local businesses, and attract new investment to the GTP and the Region.” Hendrickson, added.
“The Golden LEAF Board was pleased to award funds to support construction of a hangar that is an integral part of this project. The expansion of Fleet Readiness Center East at the Global Transpark will create high quality jobs that will have a tremendous impact on the region and on our state,” said Scott T. Hamilton, Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer. “Golden LEAF is proud to support the growth of the economic impact of the Global TransPark and help strengthen the presence of our country’s military in North Carolina.”
“The Lenoir County Board of Commissioners are very excited to be breaking ground on this new complex, and we are honored to welcome FRC East to our community. This complex will have a major economic impact, not only in Lenoir County but across our region, in the form of well-paying jobs and the many other benefits this project will have within our business and military communities. We are thankful to the many people who played a role in making this day happen. It’s truly a great day for the Global Transpark, Lenoir County and all of Eastern North Carolina!” stated Linda Rouse Sutton, Chair-Lenoir County Commissioners
Partnering with the North Carolina Global TransPark and the North Carolina Global TransPark Economic Development Region, NC General Assembly, North Carolina Department of Transportation, North Carolina Community College System, Golden LEAF Foundation, Fleet Readiness Center East, Department of the Navy, State of North Carolina, Lenoir County, and City of Kinston.
