By Kayla Good,
Navy Office of Community Outreach
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2014 Smith Station High School
graduate and Smith Station,
Alabama native is serving in the
U.S. Navy with Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 126.
Seaman Raven Poole works with the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Squadron, VAW
126, also known as “Seahawks”, operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
She
is responsible for all administration work needed by the squadron.
“The
best part of my job is being close with all the
officers,” said Poole. “I like being the person that looks out for the
commanding officer and executive officer.”
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 really works with you and is flexible,”
said Poole. “I just think it is an all around fun command. They really look out
for their sailors.”
“Serving is a sacrifice,” added Poole. “It means a lot
to be able to serve the country.”
The Seahawks of VAW-126 are assigned to Carrier Air Wing
ONE.