NAS Patuxent River, Md. –
Naval Air Warfare Operators (AWOs) are air battle managers (ABM) detailed from the E-2 Hawkeye community to provide the Air and Missile Defense Commander (AMDC) with air defense expertise, levying experience from their prior tours aboard aircraft carriers and working with carrier air wing staffs. As designated Naval Flight Officers, AWOs have completed flight training at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, E-2 Hawkeye Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) training, qualified as ABM Mission Commanders during their first sea tour, and completed a competitive shore duty such as FRS ABM instructor. An AWO typically has over 10 years of E-2 Hawkeye experience before being detailed as an AWO.
AWOs embark on the AMDC ship from the start of Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training (SWATT) through deployment. The AWO’s E-2 Hawkeye background augments the already high-performing AMDC ship’s combat team, comprised of senior surface warfare officer department heads, limited duty officers, chief warrant officers, and senior enlisted subject matter experts in air and missile defense tactics.
In addition to their planning roles, AWOs can train and qualify as Force Anti-Air Warfare Coordinators (FAAWCs) to supplement the AMDC watch teams. Most AWOs will join the AMDC team by Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), but the Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC) strives to pair AWOs as early as possible to build rapport and grow with their shipboard team. Cmdr. Peter “Corumbo” Kowalcyk, Cmdr. Michael “Romeo” Rogers and Lt. Cmdr. Timothy “Fun Size” Lloyd recently deployed with their AMDC ship and were force multipliers who enhanced significantly the air defense capability across their strike groups.
During the onset of hostilities in the Red Sea, Kowalcyk—embarked aboard USS Philippine Sea (CG 58)—was instrumental in streamlining and enhancing the kill chain for the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKECSG). His collaboration with U.S. Central Command in the Red Sea optimized the force’s air defense posture, enabling U.S. and coalition vessels to engage incoming Houthi threats against both maritime forces and global trade routes. His presence increased the lethality and efficiency of the AMDC for the CSG, as well as the Combatant Commander’s Sector Air Defense.
Similarly, Rogers provided the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (TRCSG) with comparable expertise and leadership across both the 7th and 5th Fleet areas of responsibility. His efforts integrated 18 U.S. and coalition vessels into the CSG air defense structure, enabling dynamic operations in the 7th Fleet. Rogers and Kowalcyk executed a seamless turnover of air defense responsibilities between their respective CSGs during operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.
In addition to their operational contributions, AWOs play a vital in post-deployment readiness training. Rogers provided specialized training to USS Daniel Inouye (DDG 118), a Flight IIA DDG, enabling the crew to excel as the AMDC while USS Lake Erie (CG 70) underwent maintenance.
These achievements underscore the value AWOs bring as force multipliers to both the AMDC and the CSG as a whole. Air Defense Commanders are increasingly requesting AWOs to integrate earlier in the CSG workup cycle to maximize combat readiness.
Overall, SMWDC Air Warfare Officers provide critical expertise, skills and experience, directly enhancing the Navy’s ability to conduct effective air operations and support mission success.
Cmdr. Peter “Corumbo” Kowalcyk and Cmdr. Michael “Romeo” Rogers are both senior post-squadron E-2 Hawkeye department head Air Battle Managers and Air Warfare Officers at Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center Fleet Training Atlantic, Virginia. 