New Milford native works with Navy’s Newest Surveillance Aircraft

 A 2004 New Milford High School graduate and New Milford, Connecticut native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 120 (VAW-120).

Lt. Zach Lamb works with the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Squadron, also known as “Greyhawks”, operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.

He is responsible for teaching student naval flight officers how to operate the aircraft’s radar to detect threats to the carrier strike group and troubleshoot issues.

“I enjoy the people I get to work with,” said Lamb. “I also enjoy teaching and seeing the students retain the knowledge that I provide to them.”

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 allows me to work with a great group of sailors, instructors, and students to ensure that we meet our mission in training the naval flight officers to be capable of doing their job to join the fleet,” said Lamb. “The teamwork here is phenomenal.”

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 afforded me the opportunity to give back to our country because I have been blessed so much by it,” said Lamb.

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Submitted by Danbury, CT

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