By Kayla Good, Navy Office of
Community Outreach
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2013 Dominican High School
graduate and Milwaukee native
is serving in the U.S. Navy with Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 120
(VAW-120).
Petty Officer 3rd Class Aliyah Watkins works with the E-2D Advanced
Hawkeye Squadron, also known as “Greyhawks”, operating out of Norfolk,
Virginia.
She
is responsible for the upkeep of the maintenance on the aircraft including tire
changes and servicing the hydraulic systems.
“There is always something new with this job,” said
Watkins. “I like the variety of work I get every day.”
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 is my first command and so far I have gotten to
interact with so many people from different backgrouns, which is fun,” said
Watkins. “We get to work on two different aircrafts which is neat. I feel like
I am learning a lot 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 have grown from making the decision to join the
military,” added Watkins. “It has been an eventful experience and a great
learning experience. I like the mission and purpose of my job. We are a training
a command so we are getting pilots ready for a higher mission.”