By Kayla Good, Navy Office of
Community Outreach
NORFOLK, Va. – A Helena, Montana native
is serving in the U.S. Navy with Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 120
(VAW-120).
Petty Officer 1st Class Richard Lofton works with the E-2D Advanced
Hawkeye Squadron, also known as “Greyhawks”, operating out of Norfolk,
Virginia.
He
is the quality assurance
representative responsible for the special inspections on the aircraft to make sure
safety procedures are followed at all times.
“I like the benefits this job has given me,” said
Lofton. “The opportunities are great.”
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 like the working hours here,” said Lofton. “It's a little
lighter than I am used. The flexibility of schedule allows me to take care of
my personal life.”
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 allowed me to put my kid in college,”
said Lofton. “It has also given me the opportunity to secure my future for
after the Navy.”