TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. - An Ada, Oklahoma, native 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, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Petty Officer 2nd Class John Spears, a 2010 Byng High School graduate, joined the Navy 12 years ago.
“I joined the Navy because I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with my life,” said Spears. “I knew the Navy would provide me with some direction. My brother was a petty officer second class and he brought me aboard USS Nimitz for five days when I was 13 years old. That gave me an idea of what Navy life is like and made me consider it as an option for myself."
Spears uses skills and values similar to those found in Ada to succeed in the Navy.
“My hometown taught me the importance of being able to work with people from all backgrounds,” said Spears. "The people you work with have their own problems and lives. Understanding that allows you to connect with anyone."
Spears is grateful to family back home for always being supportive.
“Thank you to my parents for supporting me in my decision to join the military,” said Spears. “I wouldn't have been able to make it this far without you.”
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.
Spears serves as an aviation electrician's mate with VQ 3.
“I really enjoy doing wire repair work,” said Spears. "I love troubleshooting a problem and making a piece of electronics work. It's gratifying when I can get something to work."
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 Spears 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 because we are the first line of defense in the water and in the air,” said Spears. "Other branches usually come in after we have already started protecting and defending, but it all really starts with us.”
Spears and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“In my previous command I worked at a Fleet Readiness Center,” said Spears. "I was the sole person that custom built the wiring for the engines that belonged to the E-2C Hawkeye. I was also the only electrician in the test cell department there to test the engines once they were built. I'm very proud of that."
As Spears and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means working with a team to accomplish a common goal,” added Spears.