TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. - A sailor from Kohala County, Hawaii, is serving in the U.S. Navy as part of the nation’s nuclear deterrence mission at Strategic Communications Wing One (STRATCOMMWING ONE). Its TACAMO ("Take Charge and Move Out") mission provides airborne communication links to nuclear missile units of U.S. Strategic Command.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Anna-Liesa Hussey |
Petty Officer 2nd Class Royce Manning, a 2018 Kohala High School graduate, joined the Navy four years ago.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to travel and see the world,” said Manning.
Manning uses skills and values similar to those found in Kohala County to succeed in the Navy.
“My hometown taught me the importance of being friendly,” said Manning. "Being friendly can take you far. Basically, "aloha."'
Manning is grateful to loved ones back home for always being supportive.
“Shout out to Perez Ohana,” said Manning. “Thank you for raising me right.”
The Navy's presence aboard an Air Force base in the middle of America may seem like an odd location given its distance from any ocean; however, the central location allows for the deployment of aircraft to both coasts and the Gulf of Mexico on a moment’s notice. This quick response is key to the success of the nuclear deterrence mission.
The Navy command consists of a Wing staff, the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training, and three Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadrons: The "Ironmen" of VQ 3, the "Shadows" of VQ 4 and the “Roughnecks” of VQ 7.
Manning serves as a naval aircrewman with VQ 3.
“My favorite part about my job is the relationships I've made along the way,” said Manning. "I also like getting to learn about what makes an aircraft function properly.”
STRATCOMMWING One employs more than 1,300 active-duty sailors and 100 contractors to provide maintenance, security, operations, administration, training and logistic support for the Boeing E-6 Mercury aircraft fleet, an airborne command post and communications relay based on the Boeing 707.
Their mission stems from the original 1961 Cold War order known as ‘Take Charge and Move Out!’ Adapted as TACAMO and now the command’s nickname, the men and women of TACAMO continue to provide a survivable communication link between national decision makers and the nation’s nuclear weapons.
The commander-in-chief issues orders to members of the military who operate nuclear weapons aboard submarines, aircraft or in land-based missile silos. Sailors aboard TACAMO E-6 Mercury aircraft provide the one-of-a-kind and most-survivable communication needed for this critical mission.
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
Serving in the Navy means Manning is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy contributes to the National Defense Strategy by defending from sea, land and air,” said Manning. "We're definitely the greatest Navy in the world."
Manning and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is becoming a naval aircrewman,” said Manning.
As Manning and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy gives me the chance to protect the ones I love while defending the country,” added Manning.