TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. - An Ozark, Missouri, native and University of Missouri MBA candidate 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.
 |
| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Anna-Liesa Hussey |
Lt. Stevie Hefner, a 2011 Ozark High School graduate, joined the Navy seven years ago.
“I had a lot of pride in my hometown and state,” said Hefner. "I wanted to do my part to serve. The Navy provided me with an awesome opportunity to do that. I got to learn everything at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Plus, I got to fly. What could be better?"
Hefner uses skills and values similar to those found in Ozark to succeed in the Navy.
“My hometown taught me the importance of hard work and dedication,” said Hefner. "People from my hometown are really diligent. I think that translated well to 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.
Hefner serves with VQ 7.
“My favorite thing about being in the Navy is the opportunities I've had to work with some incredible men and women,” said Hefner. "I also have the ability to fly aircraft.”
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 Hefner 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 a global force for good,” said Hefner. "We're the largest force. We exercise nuclear deterrence to maintain peace and safety for everyone."
Sailors have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service. Hefner was the 2020 STRATCOMMWING One Pilot of the Year and VQ 3 Pilot of the Year.
Still, Hefner is most proud of helping junior sailors.
“My proudest Navy accomplishment is qualifying as an instructor pilot,” said Hefner. "I get so much joy out of teaching others to fly. I really appreciate that opportunity. Specifically, I love being encouraging and seeing the growth of my students who started out struggling. I'm honored to be a part of their process and getting to see them succeed."
As Hefner 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 doing your very best every day,” added Hefner. "It means having the feeling that you're a part of something bigger than yourself."