By Kayla Good,
Navy Office of Community Outreach
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2012 Bay View High School
graduate and Milwaukee native
is serving in the U.S. Navy with Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW)
126.
Seaman Manuel Ramirez works with the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Squadron, VAW
126, also known as “Seahawks”, operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
He
is responsible for inspecting the engines of the aricraft on a daily basis to
ensure proper function in order for the aircraft to fly.
“I like working with my hands,” said Ramirez. “I like
being able to take things apart and put it back together. I have always enjoyed
this type of work since I was young.”
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 asset!”
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 is really tight knit and friendly,” said
Ramirez. “It is more like a family than a work place.”
“Serving
in the Navy means being able to protect the ones
I love,” added Ramirez. “I am able to do things that other people aren't able
to do and see. I have traveled around the world with opportunities to learn so
many new things and trades.”
The Seahawks of VAW-126 are assigned to Carrier Air Wing
ONE.