Sunday, August 14, 2022

Aurora native supports U.S. Navy’s “Take Charge and Move Out” mission

By Stephanie Fox, Navy Office of Community Outreach

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. - An Aurora, Colorado, 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.

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class
Anna-Liesa Hussey, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Command Master Chief Jake Stovall, a 1998 Gateway High School graduate, joined the Navy 21 years ago. 

“I joined the Navy because I wanted to take advantage of the opportunities the military provides,” said Stovall. “My favorite thing about my job is getting to take care of my sailors.”

Stovall uses skills and values similar to those found in Aurora to succeed in the Navy. 

“I played team sports in Aurora prior to joining the military,” said Stovall. "They definitely helped me appreciate the value of teamwork, which is, of course, valuable in the military."

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. 

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 Stovall 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 being anywhere at any time in a moment's notice,” said Stovall. "We project power in the sealanes. That's also a big contributor to the National Defense Strategy."

Stovall and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service. 

“My proudest Navy accomplishment is advancing in rank to chief petty officer,” said Stovall. "That was my goal as a young sailor. I ended up making the rank of chief petty officer after 11 years, which was much sooner than I thought I would. Everything that has come after is just the gravy on top."

As Stovall and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy. 

“Serving in the Navy has been an honor,” added Stovall. "I feel honored to be able to serve the country in the capacity I do now. I enjoy helping sailors figure out their path. I feel fortunate to have the ability to be there for them."