USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, At Sea -- The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) launched and recovered E-2D Hawkeyes, from the Tiger Tails of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 125, for the first time, Dec. 3.

With notable improvements and new features, the E-2D is a major advancement from the E-2C Hawkeye.

"The E-2D brings a significant number of improvements to the older E-2C," said Cmdr. Paul Lanzilotta, commanding officer of VAW-125. "The biggest thing is the sensor and radar systems. They are much more advanced in the E-2D. The E-2D is capable of seeing much farther and it is far more capable of detecting targets on the surface and in the air. This helps ensure the carrier strike group is adequately defended, even hundreds of miles away. We can see it all."

Other improvements include a fully integrated-all-glass-tactical cockpit, advanced identification friend-or-foe system, a new radar with both mechanical and electronic scanning capabilities, electronic support measures enhancements, new mission computers and tactical workstations.

"Along with the many technological advances, the E-2D is also a much smoother flying aircraft now," said Lanzilotta. "These aircraft are brand new. They still have that have that 'new car smell'."

After hundreds of practice landings on shore, the launch and recovery of the E-2D onboard Theodore Roosevelt begins VAW-125's final transition process from the E-2C to the E-2D.