TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. - An East Orange, 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 |
“I joined the Navy because I wanted the benefits the military provides,” said Tulloch.
Tulloch uses skills and values similar to those found in East Orange to succeed in the Navy.
“My hometown taught me how to be proactive under pressure,” said Tulloch.
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.
Tulloch serves as an aviation mechanic with VQ 3.
“My favorite thing about my job is the people I get to meet and work with,” said Tulloch. "I meet people from rural areas and cities, and I like that part of my job.”
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 Tulloch 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 can be anywhere at any time in a moment's notice,” said Tulloch.
Tulloch and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest Navy accomplishment is learning the skills necessary to be successful in my current field,” said Tulloch. "I never thought I would learn anything like this, so it's awesome being able to serve my country and learn about aviation equipment."
As Tulloch 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 stability,” said Tulloch. "It means a contribution to the country. It also means I get to follow in the footsteps of those that have served before me. I love the traditions of the Navy and I'm honored to be able to continue to carry them out."
As an immigrant to the United States, Tulloch feels especially honored to serve.
“Shout out to the first-generation of American immigrants serving in the military, like me,” said Tulloch. “We are embracing our American culture while getting to share our background with our fellow service members that may come from a tradition of U.S. military service.”