A years-long construction project for the Navy of a new aircraft paint complex was completed in April and celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Naval Base Coronado.
The 51,785-square-foot standalone paint and corrosion control facility, located on Naval Air Station North Island, cost $74 million.
Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Southwest, along with its contracted partner, RQ-DPR Joint Venture, and leadership from Fleet Readiness Centers (FRC), started the project on March 31, 2020. The facility was completed on time and within budget, according to the Navy.
The facility consists of four paint bays, a corrosion control bay and a media-blast bay that includes the latest technology for removing old paint. Two of the bays have fully automated partition walls that allow workers to separate the rooms, so they can paint smaller aircraft. The building also features a wash rack that will allow crew members to clean the aircraft before they enter the facility for maintenance.
The aircraft paint complex was designed to accommodate a variety of military aircraft that are vital to the Navy’s mission, including the Super Hornet (F/A-18E/F), Osprey (MV-22), Sea Hawk (CH-60), Hawkeye (E-2C), and Super Stallion (CH-53E).
“This facility will enable us to safely and securely provide the capabilities we need to properly care for our fourth-generation airplanes, and make way for our fifth- and sixth-generation airplanes,” said Rear Adm. Joseph Hornbuckle, commander, Fleet Readiness Centers, Naval Air Systems Command. “Our people are our most important resource, and we want to make sure that they can come to work each and every day and do what they need to do efficiently, and safely.”
