COMMANDING OFFICER
Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron
One Two Six
VAW-126
NS Norfolk, VA
A native of Long Island, New York, Commander Hewitt enlisted in the United States Navy in 1987 and deployed aboard USS INDEPENDENCE (CV 62) and USS FORRESTAL (CV 59) as an Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment). He graduated in 1995 with distinction from New York Maritime College with a Bachelor of Science Degree (History), was awarded a U.S. Merchant Marine Third Officer’s License (Unlimited Tonnage), and commissioned an Ensign in the United States Navy. He was designated an E-2C Hawkeye Naval Flight Officer (NFO) in 1997.
Commander Hewitt was assigned to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 117 in 1998 and served as First Lieutenant, Avionics Division Officer, Electronic Key System Management Officer, NFO NATOPS Officer, and Quality Assurance Officer. While assigned to VAW 117, he completed one Western Pacific/Arabian Gulf deployment aboard USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) in support of Operations SOUTHERN WATCH and DESERT FOX.
In 2001, he reported to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 120 as a Fleet Replacement Squadron NFO Instructor. There he served as NFO instructor, E-2C Hawkeye 2000 Training Officer and NFO Model Manager.
Commander Hewitt reported to Cruiser Destroyer Group TWO/HARRY S TRUMAN Strike Group in 2003 as Flag Lieutenant and Flag Aide where he deployed aboard USS HARRY S TRUMAN (CVN 75) in support of the Chief of Naval Operation’s Fleet Response Plan.
In 2005, he graduated from the United States Naval War College where he earned a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies.
Commander Hewitt reported to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 112 in 2006 and served as Safety Officer, Operations Officer, and Maintenance Officer. While assigned to VAW 112, he deployed aboard USS JOHN C STENNIS (CVN 74) in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM.
In 2008, he reported to U.S. Joint Forces Command, Joint Training Directorate/Joint Deployment Training Center where he served as Staff Plans and Operations Officer.
Commander Hewitt has accumulated over 2,000 flight hours, 325 arrested landings, and 62 combat missions in the E-2C Hawkeye. He is also a graduate of the E-2C Weapons School. His personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (individual and strike/flight awards), the Navy Commendation Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal, and various other campaign awards and ribbons.