Ground breaking event at Global TransPark. Photo: Danny Perez/Neuse News.

State, federal and local officials broke ground Tuesday on a North Carolina Global TransPark complex that the U.S. Navy will use to maintain and repair Navy and Marine Corps aircraft.

Officials said the U.S. Navy’s Fleet Readiness Center East, C-130 Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul complex will create more than 400 new jobs and generate $400 million in new investment for the region. The facility will expand the existing Fleet Readiness Center East, which is at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in Havelock and is the state’s largest employer east of Interstate 95. 

"As the most military-friendly state in America, I’m proud that the Global TransPark has become a magnet for aerospace investment that supports the mission of our fighting men and women," said Governor Roy Cooper. "This FRC East expansion is a monumental investment in Eastern North Carolina that will create more than 400 great jobs to keep our C-130s in top flying condition." 

Officials with the N.C. Global TransPark, the North Carolina Global TransPark Economic Development Region and the U.S. Navy made Tuesday’s announcement from the existing Fleet Readiness Center East’s UH-1 “Huey” hangar at the TransPark.       

“This facility represents a significant investment in North Carolina’s future,” said state Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins. “We’re pleased to support this project because it will mean a great deal to eastern North Carolina and better position the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps to execute their missions.”

Construction is scheduled to begin on the new 700,000-square-foot facility later this year and be complete by September 2026. The Navy and Marine Corps will use the facility to maintain and repair C/KC-130J Super Hercules, C/KC-130T Hercules, and HH-60W “Whiskey” Combat Rescue Helicopter.

"This massive MRO complex, with over 16 acres under one roof and over 400 new jobs, will be transformative for the GTP,” said Tom Hendrickson, chairman of the N.C. Global TransPark Authority’s Board of Directors. “The new facility is a testament to the strength of our partnership with Fleet Readiness Center East. It is our largest and most significant collaboration to date, offering unparalleled support for military aviation maintenance while also boosting economic prosperity in our community. This project will bring high-quality jobs to the area, stimulate local businesses and attract new investment to the GTP and the region." 

The groups that partnered to bring the facility to Kinston were the North Carolina Global TransPark, the North Carolina Economic Development Region, the N.C. General Assembly, NCDOT, the North Carolina Community College System, Golden LEAF Foundation, Fleet Readiness Center East, the U.S. Navy, Lenoir County and Kinston.

“The Golden LEAF Board was pleased to award funds to support construction of a hangar that is an integral part of this project,” said Scott T. Hamilton, Golden LEAF president and chief executive officer. “Golden LEAF is proud to support the growth of the economic impact of the Global TransPark and help strengthen the presence of our country’s military in North Carolina.”