Scott Hielen

Immense anticipation. Mission planning is complete. The plan has been briefed. The airplane is pre-flighted and all systems are go.

The pilots perform one last wipe out of the controls, power levers are pushed up to the max, a quick salute to the catapult officer, and in 1, 2, 3 seconds the plane goes from a straining standstill to flying speed as it shoots past the bow and climbs skyward!

A shot of me, headed to work one morning, not far from the Hawaiian islands.

The advantage these planes bring is the ability to peer far past the horizon ships are limited to due to the curvature of the Earth. A ship’s radar can only see surface contacts out to 22 miles, beyond which they essentially sit in the shadows. With an airborne radar at 25,000 feet, that horizon is pushed out to more than 220 miles, hence their ability to provide “early warning” and provide a more complete picture of the world around the carrier strike group.

[USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and an E-2C Hawkeye from VAW-113. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Kathleen Gorby (RELEASED)]

The back end and the business office of airborne command and control. The world on a screen, a picture fused from onboard sensors and other networked sources. A communications suite of eight radios, satellite communications, and datalink voice channels. Three operators and two pilots, all working together to bring chaos to order and move the mission forward.

Since launching and landing on a carrier are pretty sporty, we wear a harness with a 4-point restraint that plugs into an integrated parachute and survival equipment kit in the seat, should we have to jump out of the airplane. Over the harness, a survival vest with flotation, a radio, flares, dye markers, compass, and other assorted kit we might need if rescue is delayed.

A privileged year spent as a National Security Affairs Fellow opened up new opportunities and motivated me to transfer to the Navy’s (then) start-up Foreign Area Officer career field where I could both influence and support U.S. National Security Strategy goals abroad.

After seven months learning Dutch in Washington, DC, I spent three years in The Netherlands as a Security Cooperation Officer. I worked primarily with the Dutch Navy, but also with their Air Force and nascent Cyber force.

It was an absolute privilege to work with a first-class Ally in furtherance of our mutual defense and security goals. I sincerely appreciated the openness and direct style of communication the Dutch are known for.

While political relationships can ebb and flow, the U.S. and Turkish military organizations have had a long and trusted bond. The Turkish Navy in particular has a close relationship with the U.S., having had a number of former Oliver Hazard Perry class frigates serve as the core of their maritime strength for years. Through countless challenges, my Turkish Navy colleagues were extraordinarily professional and their bearing, but always warmhearted and generous in character.

Rituals and cultural traditions are integral to the foundation of a society. Tea is a part of everyday life in Turkey. While we all have business to attend to and goals to meet, when offered tea, take tea!

Two of my favorite people and I, having a serendipitous encounter with a Hawkeye, practicing carrier-style landings at the Wallops Island Flight Facility.