By Petty Officer 3rd
Class Jamal McNeill, Navy Office of Community Outreach
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2013 Robert M. Shoemaker High School
graduate and Killeen, Texas native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Carrier
Airborne Early Warning Squadron 120 (VAW-120).
Seaman Dewayne Isom works with the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye
Squadron, also known as “Greyhawks”, operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
He is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the
aircraft engine and systems.
“I enjoy the fact that my job is very hands on and straight
to the point,” said Isom. “I have an objective, get it done and move on to the
next one.”
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.
“The atmosphere at this command is very team oriented,” said
Isom. “The cooperation of everyone here allows us to work hard, get the job
done and enjoy our time outside of work.”
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 gives me a sense of pride and family
heritage,” said Isom. “I come from a long line of family service members. It
makes me proud to be part of a family tradition and doing something to make my
family proud.”