By Petty Officer 3rd
Class Jamal McNeill, Navy Office of Community Outreach
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2013 Cloverleaf High School graduate and
Seville, Ohio native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Carrier Airborne Early
Warning Squadron 120 (VAW-120).
Seaman Hailey Michael works with the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye
Squadron, also known as “Greyhawks”, operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
She is responsible for the maintaining the avionics
equipment to ensure the command meets its mission.
“My job is great because I get to work on high tech
equipment while serving my country and providing for my family,” said Michael.
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 enjoy that my job allows me to work with people from
different types of aircrafts and allows me gain knowledge to help me grow in my
career,” said Michael.
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 gives me pride knowing that I am doing
my part in protecting freedoms and this great nation,” said Michael.