By Kayla Good, Navy Office of
Community Outreach
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2014 Leileihua High School
graduate and Wahiawa, Hawaii native is serving in the U.S.
Navy with Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 120 (VAW-120).
Seaman Nicholas Lizarraga works with the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Squadron,
also known as “Greyhawks”, operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
He
is responsible for maintaining the environmental safety equipment and oxygen
systems on the Advanced Hawkeye aircraft.
“The
best part of my job is working with people and
being able to work as a team,” said Lizarraga.
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 learn a lot from different people within the
command,” said Lizarraga. “There are
people from all over the world here which gives you a well rounded
experience.”
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 gives me the opportunity to get away
from home and travel the world while also allowing me to further my education,”
added Lizarraga.