Monday, October 24, 2016

Grand Island, Neb. native works with Navy’s Newest Command and Control Aircraft

By Petty Officer 3rd Class Jamal McNeill, Navy Office of Community Outreach

NORFOLK, Va. – A 2014 Grand Island Senior High School graduate and Grand Island, Nebraska native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 126.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Alecia Aguilar works with the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Squadron, VAW 126, also known as “Seahawks”, operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.

She is responsible for documenting and logging flight minutes, issues and discrepancies on the aircraft to ensure the aircraft is fully capable and mission ready at all times.

“I enjoy the environment of my job,” said Aguilar.

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.

“Everyone at this command is focused and determined to work together to complete the mission,” said Aguilar.

“Being in the Navy gives me a sense of pride, knowing that I am doing my part in serving my country and making my family proud,” added Aguilar.

The Seahawks of VAW-126 are assigned to Carrier Air Wing ONE.