By Capt. David Russell, Navy Office of Community Outreach
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. - A Seadrift, Texas, native and United States Naval Academy graduate 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.
Lt. Nicholas McCrory, a 2012 Calhoun County High School graduate, joined the Navy 10 years ago. 
“I went to the United States Naval Academy to play football,” said McCrory. "I did not have money for college and the academy was a great option for me. I want to thank Coach Whitaker and my parents for encouraging me to go. They gave me so much that has made me a successful Navy officer."
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.
McCrory serves as a pilot with VQ 7.
“Being an instructor pilot is simply awesome,” said McCrory. "I really enjoy working with the many different people in the community that are all working towards a common goal and objective."
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 McCrory 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 important because we have freedoms that the rest of the world does not have,” said McCrory. "The Navy helps to secure those freedoms."
McCrory and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“Getting my pilot wings was a major event,” said McCrory. "Being a pilot has provided me with a career that I truly enjoy. I also met my wife at the Naval Academy. We are now both instructor pilots here at Tinker.”
As McCrory and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“The Navy has set me up for life,” added McCrory. "It has provided me with the skills and experiences I need for all aspects of life. The service is a great way of life."