TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. - A Katy, Texas, 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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“I joined the Navy to continue a family tradition,” said Leyba. "I have a grandfather who fought in WWII and a grandfather who fought in Vietnam. My father served six years in the Navy and my older brother is currently in the Navy."
Leyba uses skills and values similar to those found in Katy to succeed in the Navy.
“I was on the wrestling team in high school,” said Leyba. "I think the lessons I learned from that have helped me in the Navy. To be successful, you have to be consistently good. As long as you're being consistent and putting your best foot forward every day, you can get through anything."
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.
Leyba serves with VQ 3.
“My favorite thing about being a pilot is the challenging aspect of it,” said Leyba. "You're constantly learning and you're constantly battling complacency. There's no stop. Coming here, this is the first time I'm in a squadron out of training commands. Getting to step into the shoes of a leader is very rewarding."
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 Leyba 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 the sea defense,” said Leyba. "We have a presence on sea, air and land to provide deterrence. We can be anywhere in the world at any time. We're the centerpiece of all defense."
Leyba and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest Navy accomplishment has been earning my Wings of Gold,” said Leyba. "That was a long process that made me step out of my comfort zone."
As Leyba 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 leadership first,” added Leyba. "In order for an organization to succeed you have to have good leadership. Starting from a low rank and moving up, forces you to learn how to lead. I’m proud to be part of an organization that values that.”