By Kayla Good, Navy Office of
Community Outreach
NORFOLK, Va. – A San Diego native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Carrier
Airborne Early Warning Squadron 120 (VAW-120).
Seaman Juan Pasco works with the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Squadron, also
known as “Greyhawks”, operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
He
is responsible for 90 percent of the maintenance of the Advanced
Hawkeye, including the hydraulic systems and flight controls of the aircraft.
“I have learned a lot because of my job,” said Pasco. “I
like knowing that it's not every day that people can work on an aircraft like
this. It is a privlege to work on something this incredible compared to something
like working on a car.”
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.
“VAW 120 is like a family,” said Pasco. “They help me
with professional things but personal things as well. For example, our safety
officer helped me get my driver's license. They really do a good job helping
their people.”
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
reason I moved here from the Philippines was to get a better life,” added
Pasco. “Being in the Navy is my chance to give back to the country that has
given me so much. It is an honor to serve in the world’s biggest Navy.”