TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. - An Alexander, Arkansas, 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 |
Airman Apprentice Jessy Smith, a 2017 Bryant High School graduate, joined the Navy one year ago.
“I joined the Navy to further my career, to obtain an education and to provide a reliable foundation for my family,” said Smith.
Smith uses skills and values similar to those found in Alexander to succeed in the Navy.
“My hometown taught me that if you don't want to be in a situation, don't put yourself in that situation,” said Smith. "It also taught me the importance of hard work."
Smith has a supportive family back home to thank for getting to this point in the Navy.
“I would like to thank my family for their support,” said Smith. “I couldn't have gotten here without them. I'm grateful for each and every one of them."
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.
Smith serves as an aviation machinist's mate with VQ 3.
“My favorite thing about my job is being a plane captain,” said Smith. "As a plane captain, I enjoy the high level of intensity and knowing I get to move, direct and launch aircraft on a daily basis. I get to be a part of a community that pushes and supports each other. I enjoy being part of the team."
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 Smith 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 is very important to our global protection,” said Smith. "The Navy maintains surveillance of the seven seas. Any aspect of defense, we have a part in it.”
Smith and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is getting my plane captain certification,” said Smith.
As Smith and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means everything to me,” added Smith. "I get to serve something bigger than myself for the good of the country."