The Screwtops Return to Enterprise
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS100517-04
5/17/2010
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kristin M. Baker, USS Enterprise Public Affairs
ABOARD USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- For the first time since December 2007, two E-2C Hawkeyes landed aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) May 14.
The "Screwtops" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 123 landed aboard Enterprise to begin conducting carrier qualifications (CQ) in preparation for the upcoming deployment.
The E-2C Hawkeye is the Navy's all-weather, carrier-based tactical battle management airborne early warning, command and control aircraft. An E-2C can detect air and surface threats from more than 200 miles away, making it a true force-multiplier.
Each aircraft requires two pilots and three Naval flight officers to run the detection and surveillance equipment.
"The E-2C is a larger aircraft and requires a bit of skill to land on a carrier," said Lt. Cmdr. Dereck Fix, the operations officer for the Screwtops. "We've been conducting our work-ups for the last year in preparation for our return to Enterprise."
VAW-123 will have four E-2C Hawkeyes aboard Enterprise for the next deployment.
"We're getting back to what we do and couldn't be more excited about it," said Fix. "This is our chance to work together and train with the crew of Enterprise and Carrier Air Wing One (CVW-1)."
After the completion of CQ, the Screwtops will be qualified to launch and recover the E-2Cs on Enterprise's 21st deployment.
Enterprise is underway conducting carrier qualifications in preparation for work-ups and its 21st deployment.
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