By Kayla Good, Navy Office of
Community Outreach
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2006 Hudson County Schools of Technology
graduate and West New York,
New Jersey native is serving in
the U.S. Navy with Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 120 (VAW-120).
Lt.
Victoria Brewer
works with the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Squadron, also known as “Greyhawks”,
operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
She
is an instructor naval flight officer responsible for teaching students for the
E-2D and E-2C opeartions of the aircraft.
“I like the teaching part,” said Brewer. “I am able to
impart knowledge on the younger generation of flight officers. I like being
able to help them out.”
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.
“Serving
at this command is unique because I went through school with the instructors
and now we are all back here, so it is like a reunion,” said Brewer. “You
become close with everyone.”
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 is a responsibilty to uphold
traditions and make sure that we are providing a safer place for people,”
added Brewer.