By Stephanie Fox, Navy Office of Community Outreach
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. - A Melbourne, Florida, 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.
Airman Cade Malone, a 2015 Amelia High School graduate, joined the Navy three years ago. 
“I joined the Navy to build a foundation for my future and my future family,” said Malone. "I wanted to make sure that when I have children I have the benefits in place to take care of them."
Malone uses skills and values similar to those found in Melbourne to succeed in the Navy.
“My hometown taught me to be humble,” said Malone. "I started out as an undesignated airman. I had to prove myself. The work ethic I developed from my hometown got me to where I am today."
Malone’s mother is also to thank for success in the Navy.
“Shout out to my mother, Kari Malone,” said Malone. “You were the best mother and father figure I could have ever asked for.”
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.
Malone serves as a naval aircrewman with VQ 7.
“My favorite thing about being in the Navy is the feeling of purpose,” said Malone. "I wake up every morning and take pride in what I do. I also never know what the day is going to bring, which keeps me on my toes. I love 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 Malone 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 allowing for free trade by sea,” said Malone. "That helps the world go round. We also protect the smaller countries at sea. We look after our allies and defend against our adversaries."
Malone and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy was going on a deployment,” said Malone. "I didn't fall apart. I worked my butt off and succeeded. I am also proud of getting my package together and becoming an Airman."
As Malone and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy gives me a sense of pride,” added Malone. "I'm proud to wake up every morning and put this uniform on. Once I joined the Navy, my whole life was set on the right track."