By Kayla Good,
Navy Office of Community Outreach
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2008 New Fairfield High School
graduate and New Fairfield,
Connecticut native is serving in
the U.S. Navy with Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 126.
Lt.
Stefan Menke
works with the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Squadron, VAW 126, also known as
“Seahawks”, operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
He
is a pilot and assistant operations officer responsible for day to day planning
of flight events, simulater events and other squadron operations.
“My job
is primarly promblem solving,” said Menke. “I
think the problem solving is fun but I really enjoy actually flying the Hawkeyes.”
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 has a great atmosphere,” said Menke. “It
is nice to be employing the Navy's latest aircraft.”
“It's nice to give back and to be a part an organization
like the military.,” added Menke. “There is a good sense of identity that goes
along with serving.”
The Seahawks of VAW-126 are assigned to Carrier Air Wing
ONE.