By Kayla Good, Navy Office of
Community Outreach
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2006 Pittsburg Senior High School
graduate and Pleasant Hill,
California native is serving in
the U.S. Navy with Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 120 (VAW-120).
Ensign Alyssa Kramer works with the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Squadron, also
known as “Greyhawks”, operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
She
is responsible for the air early warning systems and managing the
aircraft’s radio systems.
“We get to see the big picture with our jobs,” said
Kramer. “We keep our guys safe with the early detection which is a cool job to
have.”
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.
“Everyone has been really welcoming and nice at this
squadron,” said Kramer. “I just checked in and our commanding officer’s brief
was fantastic. I can't wait to start working with this command and talk with the
commanding officer more.”
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 means being able to make sure my
friends and family back home are safe,” added Kramer. “I get to take part and
not just sit back while the world happens. We get to make a change in the world.”