Kanab native supports Navy Hawkeye squadron in Virginia

Airman Apprentice Charlie Bosworth. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Marieliza Rosales, Navy Public Affairs Support Element East.

Airman Apprentice Charlie Bosworth, a native of Kanab, Utah, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Airborne Command and Control Squadron 126 (VAW- 126), supporting the E-2D carrier airborne early warning aircraft, known as the Hawkeye.

Bosworth graduat­ed from Kanab High School in 2024 through Kane County Adult Education.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Kanab.

“Growing up, I found out quickly who I was and who I wanted to be and who I didn’t want to associate with,” Bo­sworth said. “This has helped in the Navy, especially on the flight line when you have to be able to read people by their body lan­guage.”

Bosworth joined the Navy one year ago. To­ day, Bosworth serves as an aviation struc­tural mechanic (safety equipment).

“I joined the Navy be­cause I wanted to make a difference and have a purpose for my life and follow in my father’s footsteps,” Bosworth said. “He served 18 years in the Army and is proud I chose to serve in the Navy.”

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. Capable of launching from an aircraft carrier, the Hawkeye sees further and wider, equipping the warfighter for ever-evolving threats as the “eyes of the fleet,” according to Navy of­ficials.

The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.

According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, Ameri­ca’s warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”

With 90 percent of global commerce trav­eling by sea and access to the internet rely­ing on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to re­cruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

Bosworth has many opportunities to achieve accomplish­ments during military service.

“My proudest accom­plishment is graduat­ing from boot camp and Airframe School,” Bosworth said. “The hardest thing was being told to act like an adult, yet getting treated like a child. But rules are rules and you have to persevere and adapt.”

Bosworth serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“Serving in the Navy means I am commit­ted to this lifestyle,” Bosworth said. “You have to choose to be in it every day and every morning, decide you are going to be better.”

Bosworth is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I want to thank my dad, Anthony, for be­ing my number one supporter and back­ing me up when other people weren’t there or didn’t agree with what I was doing,” Bosworth added. “I also want to thank my mom, Maria Lansford, for being by my side through it all.”

“I want to serve 20 years and retire, and hope to earn my mas­ter’s degree in educa­tion,” Bosworth said.