By Petty Officer 3rd
Class Jamal McNeill, Navy Office of Community Outreach
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2013 Gordon Central High School graduate
and Calhoun, Georgia native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Carrier Airborne
Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 126.
Seaman Bryan Brookshire works with the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye
Squadron, VAW 126, also known as “Seahawks”, operating out of Norfolk,
Virginia.
He is responsible for small maintenance on E2-D as well as
preparing for launching and recovery of flight.
“I love that my job is hands on and I am always on the
move,” said Brookshire. “I don’t sit at a desk. I get dirty which is
exciting.”
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 assets!”
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.
“The people make this command great,” said Brookshire. “Ever
since I got here, everyone has been welcoming and great in showing me the ropes
of how to be successful here.”
“I’m pretty patriotic, so the Navy gives me the opportunity
to serve my country and do my part in protecting the freedoms of the American
people,” added Brookshire.
The Seahawks of VAW-126 are assigned to Carrier Air Wing
ONE.