NORFOLK, Va. – Lt. j.g. Andrew Douglas, a native of Chesapeake, Virginia, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Airborne Command and Control Squadron 120 supporting the E-2D carrier airborne early warning aircraft, known as the Hawkeye.
Douglas joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Douglas serves as a naval flight officer.
“I grew up in a Navy town and my dad served in the Navy,” said Douglas. “It’s something I’ve always been drawn to since I was young; going to air shows and going on base with my dad. I enjoyed being around it all. I grew up with a strong sense of service. I couldn’t see myself doing anything else.”
Growing up in Chesapeake, Douglas attended Greenbrier Christian Academy and graduated in 2016. Today, Douglas relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Chesapeake to succeed in the military.
“I had quite a few mentors that provided a good example to work hard and never give up which has served me well,” said Douglas.
These lessons have helped Douglas while serving with the Navy.
The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye recently celebrated the 15th anniversary of its first flight, which occurred August 3, 2007. Known as the Navy’s “digital quarterback,” the Hawkeye gives the warfighter expanded battlespace awareness. The Hawkeye’s command and control capability makes it a multi-mission platform through its ability to coordinate concurrent missions such as airborne strike, land force support, rescue operations and support for drug interdiction operations. The Hawkeye is one of the aircraft launched from an aircraft carrier.
Navy aircraft carriers are designed for a 50-year service life. When the air wing is embarked, the ship carries more than 70 attack fighter jets, helicopters and other aircraft, all of which take off from and land aboard the carrier at sea. With more than 5,000 sailors serving aboard, the aircraft carrier is a self-contained mobile airport.
Aircraft carriers are often the first response to a global crisis because of their ability to operate freely in international waters anywhere on the world’s oceans.
Since USS Langley’s commissioning 100 years ago, the nation’s aircraft carriers and embarked carrier air wings have projected power, sustained sea control, bolstered deterrence, provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maintained enduring commitments worldwide.
“The aircraft carrier is our U.S. Navy’s centerpiece, our flagship, and a constant reminder to the rest of the world of our enduring maritime presence and influence,” said Rear Adm. James P. Downey, USN, Program Executive Officer (PEO) Aircraft Carriers. “These ships touch every part of our Navy’s mission to project power, ensure sea control, and deter our adversaries.”
Serving in the Navy means Douglas is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy looks out for other countries and has projection of power and a forward presence,” said Douglas. “Other countries are less likely to try anything if they see that we’re already present.”
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize the importance of accelerating America’s advantage at sea.
“Maintaining the world’s best Navy is an investment in the security and prosperity of the United States, as well as the stability of our world,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. “The U.S. Navy—forward deployed and integrated with all elements of national power—deters conflict, strengthens our alliances and partnerships, and guarantees free and open access to the world’s oceans. As the United States responds to the security environment through integrated deterrence, our Navy must continue to deploy forward and campaign with a ready, capable, combat-credible fleet.”
Douglas and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I’m proud of finishing flight school and earning my wings,” said Douglas. “Flight school is a two-year school where we go through instructor flight evaluation, learn how to fly, select a specialty, learn the mission specifics and complete numerous flights and simulations.”
As Douglas and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving means having pride in my service,” added Douglas. “A lot of people don’t have pride in their career. I’m very happy to do the job that I do and I’m excited to be a part of the Navy.”
By Petty Officer 1st Class Patricia Rodriguez, Navy Office of Community Outreach