By Kayla Good,
Navy Office of Community Outreach
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2014 Slippery Rock High School
graduate and Butler, Pennsylvania native is serving in the
U.S. Navy with Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 126.
Seaman James Eilenfeldt works with the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Squadron,
VAW 126, also known as “Seahawks”, operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
He
is responsible for making sure all electrical systems of the aircraft are
running properly.
“My job is unique,” said Eilenfeldt. “Getting to work on
the aircraft is fun and cool because I am able to learn a new skill and unique
knowledge.”
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.
“At
this squadron, I feel like we get a good amount
of time off so that we can focus on our personal lives,” said Eilenfeldt. “I
like the people here. We have a tight relationship, we know each other well by
being together every day.”
“Serving
in the Navy is a sacrifice,” added Eilenfeldt.
“It is a good way to set a foundation for young people because it teaches
responsibilty and discipline at a young age. You get to learn a lot of good stuff.
You have to grow up faster.”
The Seahawks of VAW-126 are assigned to Carrier Air Wing
ONE.