To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

HAVELOCK, N.C. – Department of Defense officials said Fleet Readiness Center-East is still on track to perform the repair and maintenance work on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

U.S. Rep. Walter B. Jones, Gov. Bev Perdue and other government officials sent a letter to Washington in November explaining the importance of the depot.

"We wanted to make sure that as we move forward on these budget matters that the FRC-East, because it has earned the reputation of outstanding work, was going to be considered in any future decision as it relates to equipment that needs to be worked on," said Jones.

Havelock Mayor Jimmy Sanders said he appreciates government officials standing behind FRC-East.

"When decisions are made in Washington, they will not be made in a vacuum," said Sanders. "They will know that Eastern North Carolina supports military presence and FRC-East."

Frank Kendall, the acting undersecretary of defense, wrote back and acknowledged FRC-East and MCAS-Cherry Point as national assets.

He also wrote, "In our search for efficiencies, we remain dedicated to evaluating all aspects of our budget to ensure we provide the optimal ability to generate readiness at the best possible value."

Jones said this letter doesn't finalize plans but it's a step in the right direction.

"This was very positive for FRC-East and it's what we were looking for," said Jones, "and we're going to keep fighting to make sure that as we move forward, they are considered for the work that needs to be done."

FRC-East said they have no comment on the letter from the Department of Defense. The depot is the largest industrial employer in North Carolina east of Interstate 95 and has nearly 4,000 employees.