Miami native works with U.S. Navy’s newest command and control sircraft

Miami native works with U.S. Navy’s newest command and control sircraft
Miami native works with U.S. Navy’s newest command and control sircraft
Petty Officer Third Class Eduardo Vasquez

A Miami native and 2014 Ronald Reagan Senior High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy with Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 126.

Petty Officer Third Class Eduardo Vasquez works with the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Squadron, VAW 126, also known as “Seahawks,” operating out of Norfolk, VA.

He is responsible for all structural and hydraulic maintenance for the E2-D aircraft.

“The best part of my job is being able to work with my hands,” Vasquez said. “It is also pretty cool to work on the aircraft.”

The primary mission of VAW-126 is to provide mission-ready and combat-ready E-2D aircraft and capable aircrew wherever needed, on time, and safely.

As the newest variant of the E-2 aircraft platform, the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye serves as the most advanced command and control aircraft in the Navy and features a state-of the-art radar with more capabilities and upgraded aircraft systems that improves the combat effectiveness of a carrier air wing and carrier strike group.

In addition to airborne early warning mission, the E-2D provides a variety of capabilities to the carrier strike group, including search and rescue operations, data link, communications relay, strike control, close air support coordination, and drug interdiction.

“The sailors of VAW-126 are integral to the successful employment of the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye,” said Cmdr. Scott Wastak, Commanding Officer VAW-126. “Without their meticulous attention to detail and dedication to the mission, the Hawkeye would be unable to perform its mission and meet our nation’s call to duty. Our sailors are truly our most valuable assets!”

With a crew of nearly 150 sailors, jobs are highly specialized and designed to keep each part of the Hawkeye running smoothly. Whether training new aviators, maintaining airframes and engines, processing paperwork, or handling and flying the aircraft, the key to success is teamwork.

“This is my first command so it will always be important to me,” Vasquez said. “It has shown me the ropes of how to be a sailor and work in a command environment.

“Serving in the Navy is a sense of pride. People look up to you and expect a lot more of you because you are in the military and that helps me strive to live up to those expectations.”

The Seahawks of VAW-126 are assigned to Carrier Air Wing One.


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