HAVELOCK, N.C. – It was a big birthday bash at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point Friday as it's been 75 years since Fleet Readiness Center East opened its doors as the overhaul and repair department.

  • Fleet Readiness Center East is a naval aviation maintenance and repair depot
  • FRC East is North Carolina's largest industrial employer east of Interstate 95
  • There are more than 4,200 civilian, military, and contract workers

The organization's 4,200 employees repair and overhaul nearly 200 models, types, and series of military aircrafts. This makes them the largest employer east of interstate 95 in the state.

β€œIt’s great for the community, great job, good pay, good benefits, people here know they have a great lively hood, where they can take care of their families,” employee gene gillikin said.

The organization's payroll approaches $354 million each year.

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