TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. - An Owensboro, Kentucky, 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 |
Petty Officer 3rd Class Jaye Logan, a 2013 Penn Foster High School graduate, joined the Navy last year.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted a change of place and a change of pace in life,” said Logan. "We moved around a lot when I was a kid, so I wanted my children to experience that diversity."
Logan uses skills and values similar to those found in Owensboro to succeed in the Navy.
“My hometown taught me to be a hard worker,” said Logan. My family didn't have much. We were taught to work first before you play. That work ethic has really helped me in life and my Navy career.”
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.
Logan serves as an aviation maintenance administrationman with VQ 3.
“I work behind the scenes and hands-on with the records of the aircraft," said Logan. "I have to be very detail-oriented."
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 Logan 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 is the first line of defense,” said Logan. "We have aircraft, submarines and ships deployed throughout the world serving as a deterrent to potential adversaries."
Logan and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I joined the Navy as a seaman recruit,” said Logan. “Within nine months, I had advanced in rank to petty officer third class. This type of advancement is really fast, and I’m very proud of that.”
As Logan and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“If a person is able to, I believe they should serve their country, at least for a while,” added Logan. "I take pride in serving a purpose bigger than myself. I am very thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the Navy."