OKLAHOMA CITY - Every sailor's story of naval service is unique. For Chief Petty Officer Denis Theriault, this story began in Yellowknife, Canada, where skills and values learned there would be foundational to success in the Navy.
“I learned in my hometown the importance of applying common sense,” Theriault said. "In the Navy, there are a lot of times when common sense can help you succeed."
Theriault joined the Navy 11 and a half years ago.
“After high school, I went to Santa Fe Community College, where I was working on a trade degree,” Theriault said. "I also tried trade jobs but realized they weren't for me. So, I joined the Navy to travel.”
Today, Theriault serves as an aviation electrician's mate assigned to the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training (CNATT) Detachment Tinker in Oklahoma City. Theriault supports the nation’s nuclear deterrence mission at Strategic Communications Wing One (STRATCOMMWING ONE). Its “Take Charge and Move Out” (TACAMO) mission provides airborne communication links to nuclear missile units of U.S. Strategic Command.
The TACAMO mission originated in 1961 when a Marine Corps aircraft was used to test the feasibility of an airborne Very Low Frequency (VLF) communications system. Once the test was successful, funding for the program was granted, and it has continued to grow ever since.
The U.S. Navy’s presence on an Air Force base in a landlocked state may seem strange, but the position is strategic, allowing squadrons to quickly deploy around the world in support of the TACAMO mission.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Theriault has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of doing well in ‘A’ School and getting to select my orders,” Theriault said. “It was between Italy, Jacksonville and Hawaii. I chose Hawaii because I didn’t think I would ever get another chance to see it if I wasn’t stationed there. Hawaii is also where I met my spouse. She just commissioned as an officer.”
Theriault serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means self-accomplishment and that I have a purpose,” Theriault said. “Everything we do in the Navy has a purpose. Even if we don’t see it, all the hard work pays off. I also like the team camaraderie of the Navy. Working with individuals who have a connection with me makes me want to stay in longer.”
Theriault is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my wife, Cassidy, for driving me to be a better person, husband and leader,” Theriault added. “She is my rock and settles me down. I also want to thank my mom, Bernie, and step-dad, Gary, for leading me in the direction to join the Navy. In high school, they had a PowerPoint of things I could do after I graduated. Joining the military was sixth on the list. They solidified my decision to join when they told me it was a great career and that I could retire by the time I’m 39. I want to thank my kids, Ezra and Hazel, as well, for giving me happiness. Lastly, I am grateful to all my leaders for pushing me to be where I need to be and for helping me get through uncomfortable situations. They have always been a motivating factor for me.”