By Aviation Electrician's Mate 2nd Class Monica Walker, Strategic Communications Wing One
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. - A Los Angeles, California, 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.
“I joined the Navy to better myself,” said Santos. "I took a year off after school and fell into a dark place. I joined the Navy as a way to course correct and get myself back to a better life."
Santos uses skills and values similar to those found in Los Angeles to succeed in the Navy.
“Los Angeles taught me that the people around you can make you,” said Santos. "My hometown has people of all kinds, so it's important you know who you can rely on and keep them close. The Navy is similar. It’s made up of different people from everywhere. I depend on the ones I've kept close so far to complete the mission."
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.
Santos serves as an aviation structural mechanic with VQ 3.
“My job is rewarding,” said Santos. "I feel accomplished after a day's work. As a ground operator, a lot goes into my job. It's all on the job training and hard work. I take a lot of pride in being able to keep up each day."
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 Santos 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.
“Control of the sea and having that presence is super important,” said Santos. "Having a show of power out at sea and air support on land, really shows how capable the Navy is at covering the whole planet and defending our country."
Santos and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“Finishing school was the proudest part of my Navy career,” said Santos. "Getting through all of the prerequisite training, and into a C school was a challenge. I couldn't go home during that time and had to dedicate everything to learning my job. Getting my graduation certification in hand, was the proudest moment of my career."
As Santos and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“The Navy for me is a show of personal growth,” added Santos. "I see myself as a more confident, clear-headed version of my prior self. Being in the Navy and having stability has really given me time to focus on myself. The people I've met have also helped me along the way."
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. - A Los Angeles, California, 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 |
Airman Apprentice Demitri Santos, a 2020 Polytechnic High School graduate, joined the Navy one year ago.
“I joined the Navy to better myself,” said Santos. "I took a year off after school and fell into a dark place. I joined the Navy as a way to course correct and get myself back to a better life."
Santos uses skills and values similar to those found in Los Angeles to succeed in the Navy.
“Los Angeles taught me that the people around you can make you,” said Santos. "My hometown has people of all kinds, so it's important you know who you can rely on and keep them close. The Navy is similar. It’s made up of different people from everywhere. I depend on the ones I've kept close so far to complete the mission."
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.
Santos serves as an aviation structural mechanic with VQ 3.
“My job is rewarding,” said Santos. "I feel accomplished after a day's work. As a ground operator, a lot goes into my job. It's all on the job training and hard work. I take a lot of pride in being able to keep up each day."
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 Santos 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.
“Control of the sea and having that presence is super important,” said Santos. "Having a show of power out at sea and air support on land, really shows how capable the Navy is at covering the whole planet and defending our country."
Santos and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“Finishing school was the proudest part of my Navy career,” said Santos. "Getting through all of the prerequisite training, and into a C school was a challenge. I couldn't go home during that time and had to dedicate everything to learning my job. Getting my graduation certification in hand, was the proudest moment of my career."
As Santos and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“The Navy for me is a show of personal growth,” added Santos. "I see myself as a more confident, clear-headed version of my prior self. Being in the Navy and having stability has really given me time to focus on myself. The people I've met have also helped me along the way."