By Cmdr. Kris Hooper, Navy Office of Community Outreach
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. - A Summit Lake, Wisconsin, 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 |
“My grandfather served in the Navy during the Korean War, and I joined to make him proud,” said Swagger. "I really miss him. I also knew I wasn't ready for college, and joining the Navy would give me a chance to mature and pay for college at the same time."
Swagger uses skills and values similar to those found in Summit Lake to succeed in the Navy.
“I learned a lot from my classmates in Summit Lake about being kind and genuinely nice to people,” said Swagger. "I also learned a lot from my grandparents about being responsible and continually pushing myself to be better."
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.
Swagger serves as an aviation structural mechanic with VQ 3.
“I get to help people learn to do their jobs the right way and keep them safe,” said Swagger. "I enjoy teaching people things I'm passionate about that are important."
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 Swagger 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 an essential component of our national defense strategy to protect our interests and freedom of the seas,” said Swagger.
Swagger and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest accomplishment during my time in the Navy was completing my recruiting tour,” said Swagger. "I really enjoyed helping people see all the benefits the Navy has to offer."
As Swagger and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy enabled me to make my grandpa proud,” added Swagger. "He inspired me to serve."