By Petty Officer 3rd
Jamal McNeill, Navy Office of Community Outreach
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2014 Lucas High School graduate and Lucas,
Ohio native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Carrier Airborne Early Warning
Squadron (VAW) 126.
Seaman Alexis King works with the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye
Squadron, VAW 126, also known as “Seahawks”, operating out of Norfolk,
Virginia.
She is responsible for logistics for the whole command
including reports, ordering supplies and parts for the aircraft.
“I enjoy the people that I work with,” said King. “They are
very knowledgeable and train me very well to continue to get better. Every day
brings a new challenge that keeps me on my toes.”
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.
“This command has a very family oriented atmosphere,” said
King. “It is comforting and feels like home.”
“Serving in the Navy makes me feel like I’m needed and
important,” added King. “I know what I am doing is helping in the large scheme of
defending the country.”
The Seahawks of VAW-126 are assigned to Carrier Air Wing
ONE.