TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. - Son of Cataño, Puerto Rico, residents 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 Jamaraqui Walker, a 2020 Antilles High School graduate, joined the Navy two years ago.
“I joined the Navy to see the world,” said Walker.
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.
Walker serves as an aviation electrician's mate with VQ 3.
“I love learning new things, which I get to do in my job,” said Walker. "I enjoy learning new mechanical skills and working with new tools. It interests me both in and outside of the Navy. Being paid to learn the skill on the job was a much better way to learn for me. It is a skill that I will have later when I leave the Navy."
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 Walker 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 great sea power,” said Walker. "The water is a large portion of the world’s surface, so having an understanding of fighting and defending countries out on the water is a huge advantage for our country and our allies."
Walker and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest Navy accomplishment is getting my plane captain qualification,” said Walker. "It's my first real qualification as an aviation electrician's mate. It’s also an important milestone for Naval Aviation Maintenance."
As Walker and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“The military means being able to serve, like my family has done,” added Walker. "My father and mother were both in the Army and so were my aunt and cousins. Serving alongside them is a personal duty to myself and my family."