By Petty Officer 3rd
Class Jamal McNeill, Navy Office of Community Outreach
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2014 Compton graduate and Compton,
California native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Carrier Airborne Early
Warning Squadron (VAW) 126.
Seaman Shenia Williams works with the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye
Squadron, VAW 126, also known as “Seahawks”, operating out of Norfolk,
Virginia.
She is responsible for administrative documentation for the
entire personnel of the command.
“I enjoy that my job allows me to be a helpful resource to
people,” said Williams. “I can let them know of things that can be used to their
benefit administratively.”
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.
“I enjoy the family atmosphere here at the command,” said
Williams. “Everyone here is trustworthy and very supportive.”
“Serving means that I am progressing in my life and helping
people around the world,” added Williams. “I feel like I have a voice and a
sense of purpose now.”
The Seahawks of VAW-126 are assigned to Carrier Air Wing
ONE.