By Kayla Good,
Navy Office of Community Outreach
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2014 Pueblo South High School
graduate and Pueblo, Colorado native is serving in the U.S.
Navy with Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 126.
Seaman Brianna Pfeifer works with the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Squadron, VAW
126, also known as “Seahawks”, operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
She
is responsible for maintaining all
inventory and supply for the squadron which includes purchasing and
procurement, shipping and receiving, issuing of equipment, tools and other
items.
“This is a very well rounded job,” said Pfeifer. “There
is a lot of different aspects to the job. There are different opportunites to
dabble in a little bit of everything the job has to offer.”
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.
“Everyone at this command is friendly,” said Pfeifer. “Everyone
is willing to help each other out. There isn't too many people so everyone
knows each other.”
“It is an honor to serve in the Navy,” added Pfeifer. “I
come from a military family so to be able to serve after my dad feels good.”
The Seahawks of VAW-126 are assigned to Carrier Air Wing
ONE.