By Petty Officer 3rd
Class Jamal McNeill, Navy Office of Community Outreach
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2006 Osborn Park High School graduate and
Manassas, Virginia native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Carrier Airborne
Early Warning Squadron 120 (VAW-120).
Lt. Eric Valdez works with the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye
Squadron, also known as “Greyhawks”, operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
He is responsible for the instructing naval flight officers
to ensure that are fully capable to complete their missions once they join the
fleet.
“I enjoy seeing the growth in the students,” said Valdez.
“It is very rewarding to see them grow before they go out to the fleet and
become naval aviators.”
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.
“Since the command is so large, it allows interaction with a
variety of people, from meeting new people to reconnecting with old friends,”
said Valdez. “It helps create a stronger camaraderie within the aviation
community.”
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 has given me the opportunity to serve
my country and see the world while being able to fly and do something I enjoy,”
said Valdez.