Monday, October 24, 2016

San Antonio native works with Navy’s Newest Command and Control Aircraft

By Kayla Good, Navy Office of Community Outreach

NORFOLK, Va. – A 2014 Wagner High School graduate and San Antonio native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 126.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Shaina Moore works with the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Squadron, VAW 126, also known as “Seahawks”, operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.

She is responsible for maintaining the engine and propeller systems of the Advanced Hawkeyes.

You learn something different every day with this job,” said Moore. “It definitely keeps you on your toes.”

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 is genuine about their sailors,” said Moore. “They take care of us really well.”

Serving in the Navy means being able to say that I am doing something for my country,” added Moore.

The Seahawks of VAW-126 are assigned to Carrier Air Wing ONE.