By Kayla Good, Navy Office of
Community Outreach
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2014 Show Low High School
graduate and Show Low, Arizona native is serving in the U.S.
Navy with Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 120 (VAW-120).
Seaman Zachary Irwin works with the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Squadron, also
known as “Greyhawks”, operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
He
is responsible for maintaining the hydraulic systems, tires, brakes, and flight
controls to ensure the aircraft is ready to fly at all times.,
“I like the hands on aspect of my job,” said Irwin. “I
like the mechanical work that I get to do. I was raised to do hands on work.”
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.
“I like the training command because I get to learn my
job and how to work as a team,” said Irwin. “Whenever I get out to the big
Navy, this job will have prepared me.”
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 following in my family's
footsteps by serving this country for our freedoms,” added Irwin.