By Kayla Good, Navy Office of
Community Outreach
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2010 Fernley High School
graduate and Fernley, Nevada native is serving in the U.S.
Navy with Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 120 (VAW-120).
Petty Officer 3rd Class Steffan Reymann works with the E-2D Advanced
Hawkeye Squadron, also known as “Greyhawks”, operating out of Norfolk,
Virginia.
He
is responsible for inspecting and repairing aircraft engines for the Advanced
Hawkeye.
“I like that this is not a desk job,” said Reymann. “I
get to be outside and get my hands dirty. This is a good trade to learn.”
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 have been with this command for three weeks and the
transition has been good,” said Reymann. “There is a good group of people here
with a different set of personalities. The command culture is different and it
is something to acclimate to but I am looking forward to working here.”
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.
“I joined the Navy because I have a family history with
the Navy,” added Reymann. “I stayed with it because I really can't see myself
doing anything else. I have experienced a lot and been a lot of awesome places,
done cool things and met so many people. It has also allowed me to get away
from what I grew up with and learn about other cultures.”