Fleet Readiness Center Southeast Public Affairs
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – On Aug. 14, Fleet Readiness Center Southeast (FRCSE) completed the command’s first T-45 Goshawk on its Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) production line.
While the next generation of jet trainer aircraft is awaiting selection, the Navy has extended the T-45’s planned service life and launched the SLEP with the aim of extending the Goshawk’s service to the 2040s. The work includes multiple structural modifications to the fuselage at various frame stations, inlet modifications and upper cockpit longeron (UCL) replacement. FRCSE completed the first aircraft maintenance in404 days – 21 days earlier than its 425-day projected completion target.
“Moving student aviators through trainingon time with the right equipment is a criticalcomponentof not only Naval Aviation but national security,” said Capt. Mike Windom, FRCSE commanding officer. “Getting these T-45 trainingaircraftto the flightline faster and at lower cost strengthens Naval Aviation.”
Adapted from the British Hawk developed by BAE Systems, the T-45 Goshawk has served as a critical Naval Aviation training aircraft for more than three decades. The tandem-seat, carrier-capable jet trainer prepares Navy and Marine Corps aviators for carrier operations, including landings at sea.
To stand up the SLEP line and optimize production, FRCSE collaborated with Naval Undergraduate Flight Training Systems Program Office (PMA-273) and Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA) to identify the parts, tools and support equipment needed to perform the work. While this collaboration provided a strong foundation for building the team’s inventory and knowledge base, transitioning that information to an FRCSE production line meant meeting federal procurement requirements and creating new processes to source and acquire thousands of parts and tools.
Additionally, FRCSE worked closely with V2X, a private company who previously managed every level of maintenance for the T-45. Transitioning the Goshawk from contractor support to FRCSE’s depot-level maintenance required establishing the processes, supply chain and workforce expertise needed to sustain the aircraft at FRCSE.
FRCSE currently has its second T-45 in work, and program personnel anticipate inducting three additional aircraft during fiscal year 2027, with a ramp up to eight in work by 2028. Repairs will continue through 2036.
About Fleet Readiness Center Southeast
Fleet Readiness Center Southeast (FRCSE) is Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia’s largest maintenance, repair, overhaul and technical services provider, employing approximately 5,000 civilian, military and contract workers. With annual revenue exceeding $1 billion, the organization serves as an integral part of the greater U.S. Navy, Naval Air Systems Command, and Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers by maintaining the combat airpower for America’s military forces.