By Kayla Good,
Navy Office of Community Outreach
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2014 Avondale High School
graduate and Auburn Hills, Michigan native is serving in the U.S.
Navy with Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 126.
Seaman Nicole Bork works with the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Squadron, VAW 126,
also known as “Seahawks”, operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
She
is responsible for maintaining the safety gear that pilots and aircrew use,
including parachutes and survival equipment.
“Being
responsible for the gear that the pilots use is my favorite part of my job,”
said Bork. “It is my way of contributing to the mission.”
The primary mission of VAW-126 is to provide mission-ready
and combat-ready E-2D aircraft and capable aircrew wherever needed, on time,
and safely.
As the newest variant of the E-2 aircraft platform, the E-2D
Advanced Hawkeye serves as the most advanced command and control aircraft in the Navy and features a state-of
the-art radar with more capabilities and upgraded aircraft systems that
improves the combat effectiveness of a
carrier air wing and carrier strike group..
In addition to airborne early warning mission, the E-2D
provides a variety of capabilities to the carrier strike group, including
search and rescue operations, data link, communications relay, strike control,
close air support coordination, and drug interdiction.
”The sailors of VAW-126 are
integral to the successful employment of the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye,” said Cmdr.
Scott Wastak, Commanding Officer VAW-126. “Without their meticulous attention
to detail and dedication to the mission, the Hawkeye would be unable to perform
its mission and meet our nation’s call to duty.
Our sailors are truly our most valuable asset!”
With a crew of nearly 150 sailors, jobs
are highly specialized and designed to keep each part of the Hawkeye running
smoothly. Whether training new aviators,
maintaining airframes and engines, processing paperwork, or handling and flying
the aircraft, the key to success is teamwork.
“This
command gives us so many great opportunities,” said Bork. “I have been able to
learn a lot of things really quickly. I enjoy being able to take certain
opportunities with the people in our shop.”
“The Navy gives you a reason of self worth,” added
Bork. “You are able to help other people through serving.”
The Seahawks of VAW-126 are assigned to Carrier Air Wing
ONE.