By Petty Officer 3rd
Class Jamal McNeill, Navy Office of Community Outreach
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2013 Lampeter-Strasburg High School
graduate and Lancaster, Pennsylvania native is serving in the U.S. Navy with
Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 120 (VAW-120).
Petty Officer 3rd Class Gene Cullen 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 structure including hydraulics.
“I enjoy that my job gives me hands on work and allows me to
gain skills in a rewarding career,” said Cullen.
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.
“Serving in this command has allowed me to meet a great
group of people,” said Cullen.
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.
“Being in the Navy gives me a sense of pride to be able to
serve my country while gaining skills to set myself up for success in the
future,” said Cullen.