By Kayla Good,
Navy Office of Community Outreach
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2009 Umatilla High School
graduate and Umatilla, Florida native is serving in the U.S.
Navy with Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 126.
Lt. j.g. Brian Ferdon works with the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Squadron, VAW
126, also known as “Seahawks”, operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
He
is a naval flight officer responsible for maintaining the airbone commanding
controls, operating the radar, and
giving directions to the F18 to provide information to different assets.
“I like the flying aspect of the job because it is
fun,” said Ferdon. “It is really an enjoyable job to have.”
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.
“The
best part about serving with this squadron is the people,” said Ferdon. “My fellow junior officers are a good group of people
to work with.”
“I
joined the Navy for the great job opportunities and as a way to serve my country,” added Ferdon.
The Seahawks of VAW-126 are assigned to Carrier Air Wing
ONE.