By Petty Officer 3rd
Class Jamal McNeill, Navy Office of Community Outreach
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2004 Serra High School graduate and
Inglewood, California native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Carrier Airborne
Early Warning Squadron 120 (VAW-120).
Seaman Paul Franklin works with the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye
Squadron, also known as “Greyhawks”, operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
He is responsible for the maintenance, upkeep and inspection
of safety equipment on the aircraft so it is properly working to ensure the
safety of the crew.
“My job is great because I get to put a skillset that I
gained outside of the Navy to use in an important job,” said Franklin.
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.
“I enjoy that this command allows me to do my job while
maximizing my liberty and getting to go home at night," said Franklin. “It’s
the best of both worlds, I get to work hard and serve my country while being a
family man.”
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.
“Serving in the Navy allows me to better myself and provide
a better life for my family while serving the country and being a part of
something bigger than myself,” added Franklin.