TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. - An Oxnard, 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 |
Petty Officer 3rd Class Brianna Hernandez, a 2018 Pacifica High School graduate, joined the Navy three years ago.
“I joined the Navy because I did not want to follow the traditional route of high school to college,” said Hernandez.
Hernandez uses skills and values similar to those found in Oxnard to succeed in the Navy.
“My hometown was very diverse,” said Hernandez. "It taught me how to create relationships with people from all different backgrounds. That's helpful in the Navy because we all come from somewhere different, but we work together to accomplish the same 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.
Hernandez serves as an aviation structural mechanic with VQ 7.
“My favorite part about my job is that there is always something new to do and learn,” said Hernandez. "No day is ever the same."
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 Hernandez 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 in ways most people don't even know,” said Hernandez. "We do it all: sea, land and air--we have everything.”
Hernandez and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest Navy accomplishment is advancing in rank and receiving my warfare pin," said Hernandez. “I'd like to thank my family for supporting me during all of this.”
As Hernandez and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy carries a lot of value to me,” added Hernandez. "You sacrifice a lot to protect the nation. Whether you serve for one tour, two tours, or get to retirement. I'm proud to be a part of that."