By Stephanie Fox, Navy Office of Community Outreach
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. - A Rock Hill, South Carolina, 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 |
“I joined the Navy to support my son,” said McKeithan.
McKeithan uses skills and values similar to those found in Rock Hill to succeed in the Navy.
“My hometown taught me to seek out new opportunities,” said McKeithan. "If I set my mind to something I can achieve it."
McKeithan has family back home to thank for their support along the way.
“Shout out to my mom,” said McKeithan. “I could thank her for my entire life. She's my rock and I love her. I wouldn't be here without her.”
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.
“My favorite thing about my job is that there is always something new to do and learn,” said McKeithan. "I never know what to expect."
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 McKeithan 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 maintaining free sea lanes,” said McKeithan. "At my command specifically, we are a large nuclear deterrent.”
McKeithan and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest Navy accomplishment is getting accelerated advancement,” said McKeithan. "I was selected early for promotion right out of training school."
As McKeithan and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy means I get to set an example for my son that you can do things at your own pace and succeed,” added McKeithan.