By Petty Officer 3rd
Class Jamal McNeill, Navy Office of Community Outreach
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2010 Round Rock High School graduate and
Austin, Texas native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Carrier Airborne Early
Warning Squadron 120 (VAW-120).
Petty Officer 3rd Class Mary Drummond works with the E-2D
Advanced Hawkeye Squadron, also known as “Greyhawks”, operating out of Norfolk,
Virginia.
She is responsible for the maintaining the electrical
components on the aircraft to ensure proper mission capabilities.
“My job has allowed me to gain skills that I would have
never learned outside of the Navy and I am more electronically aware and
proficient,” said Drummond.
VAW 120’s primary mission is to fly and train naval
aviators, naval flight officers, and naval aircrewmen to safely and effectively
operate E-2 and C-2 aircraft, preparing them to join the fleet.
The training also includes the newest variant of the E-2D aircraft
platform, the Advanced Hawkeye, which serves as the most advanced surveillance
aircraft in the Navy. It features a
state of the art radar with more capability and upgraded aircraft systems that
will improve supportability and increase readiness.
“The Greyhawks of VAW-120 work
diligently to accomplish the mission of the sole Fleet Replacement Squadron for
the E-2 and C-2 communities,” said Cmdr. Evan Morrison, Commanding Officer VAW
120. “It is an honor to see the quality of production set forth by my sailors,
and to witness the development of the Navy’s future Airborne Early Warning and
Logistics leaders.”
With a crew of over 100 sailors, jobs
are highly specialized and keep each part of the Hawkeye running smoothly,
according to Navy officials. The jobs range from training the new
aviators, maintaining airframes and engines, processing paperwork, as well as
handling and flying the aircraft.
“This command has been very motivating to ensure that I am
the best sailor that I can be,” said Drummond. “It has helped me achieve my
potential.”
While on deployment, challenging living conditions build
strong fellowship among the crew, Navy officials explained. The crew is highly
motivated, and quickly adapt to changing conditions. It is a busy life of specialized
work, watches, and drills.
“The Navy has given me the opportunity to pursue an
education and become a more well rounded stable individual while protecting the
freedoms of my friends, family and American citizens,” said Drummond.