MOMBASA, Kenya – Forward Deployed Regional Maintenance Center (FDRMC) completed a voyage repair period aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) Sept. 10, marking the first U.S. Navy ship maintenance availability in Mombasa in recent years.
Executing this maintenance period in Kenya allowed the ship to receive corrective and preventative work to continue its deployment fully mission-capable while remaining near its mission area. Partnering with local industry to execute these availabilities expands FDRMC’s maintenance capability in East Africa.
During the port visit, FDRMC’s forward-deployed technicians provided essential on-board technical support for key systems, restoring readiness and increasing crew self-sufficiency through hands-on training.
“Our team hit the ground running in Mombasa, building maintenance capability with our industry partners to generate readiness for our forward-deployed warships,” said Capt. Mollie Bily, FDRMC commanding officer. “Conducting maintenance and technical assistance in countries like Kenya gives Fleet commanders flexibility to operate ships uninhibited knowing FDRMC will deliver readiness wherever needed.”
FDRMC’s ability to conduct complex maintenance on deployed ships in numerous ports throughout 5th 6th Fleets’ area of operations enhances the Navy’s warfighting advantage, ensuring ships receive needed repairs and support whenever and wherever required.
FDRMC provides emergent, intermediate and depot-level maintenance and modernization for deployed and homeported Forward Deployed Naval Forces in U.S. Fifth and Sixth Fleets through fleet technical assistance, voyage repair, contract management oversight, assessments, and diving and salvage.