By Petty Officer 3rd
Class Jamal McNeill, Navy Office of Community Outreach
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2015 Lincoln High School graduate and
Jersey City, New Jersey native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Carrier
Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 126.
Seaman Omaro Andara works with the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye
Squadron, VAW 126, also known as “Seahawks”, operating out of Norfolk,
Virginia.
He is responsible for inspecting and preparing the aircraft
for flight as well as directing them for takeoff and landing.
“I enjoy the responsibility of my job,” said Andara. “Being
a 19 year old responsible for billion dollar aircraft and talking directly to
the pilots is pretty amazing.”
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.
“Serving at this command has allowed me to explore new
horizons and gain new experiences,” said Andara.
“Serving in the Navy means that I am defending my family and
loved ones back home,” added Andara. “I am proud to be a part of this service.”
The Seahawks of VAW-126 are assigned to Carrier Air Wing
ONE.