By Petty Officer 3rd
Class Jamal McNeill, Navy Office of Community Outreach
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2014 Marcos de Anizea High School graduate
and Mesa, Arizona native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Carrier Airborne
Early Warning Squadron 120 (VAW-120).
Seaman Susana Meza works with the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye
Squadron, also known as “Greyhawks”, operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
She is responsible for the maintenance, upkeep and
inspections of the engines on the aircraft.
“I enjoy the opportunity that my job allows me to learn
mechanics and build relationships with people who can assist me further in my
knowledge of my job,” said Meza.
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.
“This command is my first command so it will always have a
place in my heart because it has given me the tools and taught me how to do my
job properly,” said Meza.
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 shown me that everyone serving
plays a part in the bigger picture,” added Meza. “I understand and I’m grateful
to be a part of something that is fighting for the freedoms and protection of
the citizens of this country.”