By Petty Officer 3rd
Class Jamal McNeill, Navy Office of Community Outreach
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2014 Fox Creek High School graduate and
North Augusta, South Carolina native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Carrier
Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 126.
Seaman Nicholas Hughey works with the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye
Squadron, VAW 126, also known as “Seahawks”, operating out of Norfolk,
Virginia.
He is responsible for safety of flight for the aircraft and
crew as well as launching and recovering the aircraft.
“I enjoy that my job places the responsibility of directing
billion dollar aircraft on me,” said Hughey.
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.
“The command allows me to experience something new and work
with a very unique aircraft,” said Hughey.
“Serving in the Navy gives me a sense of pride in knowing
that I am doing my part in defending this country,” added Hughey.
The Seahawks of VAW-126 are assigned to Carrier Air Wing
ONE.