By Kayla Good, Navy Office of
Community Outreach
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2015 North Canyon High School
graduate and Phoenix native
is serving in the U.S. Navy with Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 120
(VAW-120).
Seaman Devon Brubaker-Castle works with the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye
Squadron, also known as “Greyhawks”, operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
He
is responsible for the maintenance on all components of the airframe
including panels and hydraulics systems.
“My job is very straightforward which I like,” said Brubaker-Castle.
“It is basically a version of being a mechanic
so what I did as a civilian came over easy, especially with tools that we use.”
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.
“With
this command being bigger, it is easier to find a way to learn,” said Brubaker-Castle. “There are more people here
that can help you and know what they are talking about. I like this command
because you can ask the questions you need to learn everything you can about
the platform.”
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.
“Serving
in the Navy, to me, means carrying on a family tradition
of military service,” said Brubaker-Castle.
“It is also a way to continue my education. I am
not only fulfilling my career needs but also fulfilling my personal goals by
doing what I feel like my family would be proud of.”