WASHINGTON -- Forward Deployed Regional Maintenance Center (FDRMC) Detachment Bahrain and Naval Ship Repair Facility and Japan Regional Maintenance Center (SRF-JRMC) celebrated the on-time completion of availabilities on March 24. The USS Thunderbolt (PC-12) completed her Chief of Naval Operations Docking Phased Maintenance Availability (DPMA) in Bahrain, and USS Ashland (LSD 48) successfully completed depot-level maintenance a day early in Yokosuka, Japan.
Thunderbolt is the latest Cyclone-class ship to receive new stern tubes, and by applying lessons learned from earlier availabilities, the duration of the work package was streamlined. Thunderbolt marks the third on-time availability completion for the FDRMC Detachment Bahrain at BASREC, resulting from improved planning and incorporation of best practices and lessons learned. Thunderbolt is currently operating under Commander Naval Surface Squadron Five.
At SRF-JRMC, USS Ashland received depot-level maintenance on over 400 compartments including the ship’s generators and main propulsion engines while the flight deck and forecastle were outfitted with non-skid surfaces. In addition to the SRF-JRMC Sasebo core team, the availability was completed by Navy personnel from the Southwest Regional Maintenance Center and seven flyaway teams from the USS Frank Cable (AS 40) and USS Emery S. Land (AS 39).
“Despite the unprecedented challenges our teams are facing around the world, the on-time availability of USS Ashland and USS Thunderbolt showcase the resilience and commitment of our Navy and industry teams,” said Rear Adm. Tom Anderson, Commander, Navy Regional Maintenance Center and Director, Surface Ship Maintenance and Modernization (SEA 21). “Our RMCs have been and will continue to work diligently to ensure our Sailors and Marines have ships that are warfighting ready.”
FDRMC is a Naval Sea Systems Command Field Activity under the Commander, Navy Regional Maintenance Center and was established to provide intermediate and depot-level maintenance and modernization support for U.S. Navy ships forward deployed. Manned with highly specialized technicians and support staff, the detachment provides sustainment, fleet technical assistance and voyage repair of naval ships and craft in the 5th and 6th Fleet AORs.
SRF-JRMC is a binational workforce based in Yokosuka with a mission to keep the U.S. 7th Fleet operationally ready.