TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. - A Port Washington, New York, native and 2018 Fordham University graduate 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 |
Lt. Luke Johnston joined the Navy four years ago.
“I joined the Navy because my grandfather was the chief of police in New York City for 42 years,” said Johnston. "His service inspired me to do something important too with my own life."
To others seeking a career in a meaningful field, Johnston recommends the Navy.
“To anyone else interested in service for others or a higher vocation, please look into the Navy,” said Johnston. “It's a great career field to look into.”
Johnston uses skills and values similar to those found at Fordham University to succeed in the Navy.
“Fordham University is a Jesuit university,” said Johnston. "Their ideals are service over self. Those values really resonate with me and have been instrumental to the path I've taken in life."
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.
Johnston serves with VQ 3.
“My favorite thing about my job is the work,” said Johnston. "I get to work with people that all have a common goal. It's nice to be a part of that."
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 Johnston 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.
“Most people think of the Navy as a sea power, but we have power in all domains: sea, land and air,” said Johnston. "We have a number of ways to defend the country that most people don't even realize."
Johnston and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest Navy accomplishment is getting my Wings of Gold and becoming an aviator,” said Johnston.
As Johnston 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 part of something greater than myself,” added Johnston. "We're there to achieve a mission as a group."