By Kayla Good, Navy Office of
Community Outreach
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2013 Spotslyvania High School
graduate and Spotslyvania, Viriginia native is serving in the U.S.
Navy with Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 120 (VAW-120).
Petty Officer 3rd Class Dylan Husted works with the E-2D Advanced
Hawkeye Squadron, also known as “Greyhawks”, operating out of Norfolk,
Virginia.
He
is responsible for servicing the aircraft
to ensure that it is ready to fly at all times.
“I like the people I work with,” said Husted. “This is
a good group of people so it makes the job fun and easier.”
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 that I get to work on two different types of
aircraft,” said Husted. “I get to learn twice as much.”
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.
“I feel like I owe my country something,” added
Husted. “Serving in the Navy is me giving back to the country.”