TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. - A Crofton, Maryland, 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 Trevor Macintyre, a 2020 Rondel High School graduate, joined the Navy two years ago.
“I joined the Navy to expand my opportunities,” said Macintyre. "I wanted to get a head start on a career. By joining the Navy, I am doing work and learning new skills all while getting paid. I want to get as much experience here as I can to use in civilian life later."
Macintyre uses skills and values similar to those found in Crofton to succeed in the Navy.
“My hometown taught me about community,” said Macintyre. "I grew up with a solid sense of community and and desire to help others. My hometown set the groundwork for me to understand what a good community is and how to apply that to the sailors I work with."
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.
Macintyre serves as an aviation machinist’s mate with VQ 3.
“My favorite thing about working in aviation is launching and catching jets,” said Macintyre. "Sending our jets out to the fleet is a whole new experience. It's exhilarating, and it’s something I never knew I could do until I did it."
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 Macintyre 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 National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy is the most versatile branch of the military,” said Macintyre. "The Navy can deploy the strongest sea, land and air power forces on the planet."
Macintyre and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest Navy accomplishment is getting my plane captain qualification,” said Macintyre. "I lead the launching and recovery of our jets. A plane captain covers all ground movements, so getting the qualification is a real accomplishment after all of the training."
As Macintyre and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means pride for my country,” added Macintyre. "I'm the first in my family to serve in the Navy. I have family in the Army, but the Navy tradition and customs give me a sense of honor in service."