By Petty Officer 3rd
Class Jamal McNeill, Navy Office of Community Outreach
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2006 Cleveland Texas High School graduate
and Splendora, Texas native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Carrier Airborne
Early Warning Squadron 120 (VAW-120).
Petty Officer 3rd Class Kevin Kellner works with the E-2D
Advanced Hawkeye Squadron, also known as “Greyhawks”, operating out of Norfolk,
Virginia.
He is responsible for the maintenance, upkeep and repairs on
the entire structure, flight controls, landing gear and hydraulic systems on
the aircraft
“I enjoy the fact that my job allows me to be hands on
everyday and gain knowledge in a trade that I enjoy,” said Kellner.
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 enjoy that this command allows me to work with like
minded people that are serving their country,” said Kellner.
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.
“The Navy allows me to do my part in fixing aircraft and
ensuring that they are capable to do the Navy's mission in defending our
country,” said Kellner.