By Kayla Good, Navy Office of
Community Outreach
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2002 Trinity High School
graduate and Bedford, Texas native is serving in the U.S. Navy
with Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 120 (VAW-120).
Petty Officer 1st Class John Harris works with the E-2D Advanced
Hawkeye Squadron, also known as “Greyhawks”, operating out of Norfolk,
Virginia.
He
is responsible for maintenance on the airframe and hydraulic systems of the
Advanced Hawkeye.
“The
best part of my job is seeing my work actually
make an aircraft fly,” said Harris.
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.
“We work on two different types of aircraft which
allows me to learn a lot,” said Harris.
“I also like the work hours that we have at this command.”
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.
“I enjoy serving in the Navy,” added Harris. “It is for
a greater cause than myself and I like assuming that role.”