By Petty Officer 3rd
Class Jamall McNeill, Navy Office of Community Outreach
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2011 West Aurora High School graduate and
Aurora, Illinois native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Carrier Airborne Early
Warning Squadron 120 (VAW-120).
Petty Officer 3rd Class Alyssa Reimers works with the E-2D
Advanced Hawkeye Squadron, also known as “Greyhawks”, operating out of Norfolk,
Virginia.
She is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the
aircraft engines and propellers to ensure the aircraft is mission ready.
“Being able to work with my hands is what makes my job
great,” said Reimers. “I get a sense of accomplishment knowing that I was able
to fix an issue and get the aircraft in the air.”
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 this command because they are very understanding of
who we are as sailors and people,” said Reimers.
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 has given me the opportunity to grow as a person
and gain life experiences while serving and defending the world's greatest
nation,” added Reimers.