The Range 1 restriction is a problem but it's worth noting that Hawk can always use it on himself even if no friendly ships are nearby (and that means he's the only LAAT who can reposition at all).
Strain is a small price to pay for that, especially when you can follow it with a blue maneuver immediately. Repositions are usually a high value ability and being able to move into a new position ahead of for your next turn can be used to upset opponents plans - maybe barrel roll onto the spot where your opponent wanted to K-Turn into, or boost forward so you don't get blocked yourself, even just use it to turn that arc around another 90 degress. I think Hawk is the trickiest LAAT pilot to get value out of but also probably the pilot that can add the most value if you work out how to unlock it.
