TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. - A Brick, New Jersey, 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 |
Lt. Joseph Earomirski, a 1998 Brick Township High School graduate, joined the Navy 19 years ago.
“I joined the Navy for my kids,” said Earomirski. "I wanted to be a good role model for them as they grew up. I also thought it was important to serve my country."
Earomirski uses skills and values similar to those found in Brick to succeed in the Navy.
“My hometown taught me the importance of a hard work ethic and being able to work with people from diverse backgrounds,” said Earomirski.
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.
Earomirski serves as an admin officer with VQ 4.
“I enjoy working with my junior sailors; mentoring them, guiding them and watching them grow both professionally and personally,” added Earomirski.
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 Earomirski 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 through our global reach,” said Earomirski. “We have the ability to control the seas to keep them open for commerce and transit.”
Earomirski and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My selection to the Limited Duty Officer Program was very gratifying,” said Earomirski. "They don't select many people for that.”
Earomirski is thankful for the support of family along the way.
"I am always grateful to my parents for the support they provided me and my sister," said Earomirski.
As Earomirski and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“To me, serving in the Navy means being a role model in the community, being a part of something bigger than myself and being able to support the national defense mission,” added Earomirski.