By Petty Officer 3rd
Class Jamal McNeill, Navy Office of Community Outreach
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2011 Deep Creek High School graduate and
Chesapeake, Virginia native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Carrier Airborne
Early Warning Squadron 120 (VAW-120).
Seaman Kayla Smith works with the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye
Squadron, also known as “Greyhawks”, operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
She is responsible for the maintenance on the aircraft to
ensure they are mission ready.
“Working in this field, there is always something to do,”
said Smith. “There is never a dull moment and it helps make the workday go by
faster.”
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 how willing everyone at this command is to help me
grow professionally,” said Smith. “They are very knowledgeable and willing to
share it to help me grow.”
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 a sense a purpose in knowing that
what I do everyday is significant in the bigger picture of protecting this
country,” said Smith.