Leonardo Opens Florida Support Center in Milton for TH-73 Fleet

Helis, September 18, 2025 - Milton, FL - Leonardo Helicopters has officially opened its new Florida Support Center in Milton, Florida, a 113,000 sq/ft facility that expands maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) support for the U.S. Navy’s TH-73 Thrasher training helicopter fleet and Leonardo’s growing base of commercial rotorcraft customers across the Gulf of Mexico and Central America.

Investment and Partnerships

The Florida Support Center represents a $65 million investment and was built in partnership with Space Florida, Santa Rosa County, Triumph Gulf Coast, and the State of Florida. The facility is located at Whiting Aviation Park, adjacent to Naval Air Station Whiting Field (NASWF). Through a unique access agreement, the support center benefits from NASWF’s 6,000 ft. runway and air traffic control, ensuring unmatched proximity to the Navy’s helicopter training operations.

Supporting the TH-73 Thrasher Fleet

In 2020, the U.S. Navy selected Leonardo’s AW119 variant, designated the TH-73A “Thrasher,” to replace the aging TH-57 Sea Ranger for advanced training. The new system is also used by the U.S. Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and allied partners.

Deliveries of the TH-73 began in 2021, and today’s opening provides a permanent support hub for this fleet. Leonardo has been operating a temporary hangar in Santa Rosa County since 2021, steadily expanding its U.S. workforce and capabilities.

State-of-the-Art Capabilities

The Milton facility includes:

- Four large hangar bays
- Major component repair and overhaul
- Transmission testing with Dynamic Test Bench
- Full-size paint booth
- Spacious parts warehouse for supply chain efficiency

These capabilities allow Leonardo to deliver faster turnaround times, improved lifecycle support, and reduced downtime for both military and commercial operators.

Economic and Regional Impact

Leonardo currently supports a wide range of U.S. military and civilian rotorcraft, including platforms operated by the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, and emergency medical service providers, as well as law enforcement and commercial operators.

With the Florida Support Center now operational, Leonardo strengthens its position as a trusted partner in the United States, delivering innovation, reliability, and customer-focused support to meet the evolving needs of rotorcraft operators across the country.

Clyde Woltman, CEO of Leonardo Helicopters US, said “This modern, state-of-the-art facility reflects Leonardo’s long-term commitment to our U.S. customers. From the Navy’s TH-73 Thrasher training fleet to commercial operators across the Gulf of Mexico, the Milton Support Center ensures that Leonardo delivers industry-leading support close to where our helicopters fly and operate.”