OKLAHOMA CITY- Every sailor’s story of naval service is unique. For Airman Ahonui Yamaguchi, this story began in Honolulu, Hawaii, where skills and values learned there would be foundational to success in the Navy.
“I learned growing up the importance of working hard to get what you want,” Yamaguchi said.
Yamaguchi graduated from Henry J. Kaiser High School in 2023.
Yamaguchi joined the Navy two years ago.
“I joined the Navy for the opportunities of job experience,” Yamaguchi said. "When I get out, I’ll have skills that will help me in life."
Today, Yamaguchi serves as a naval air crewman (mechanical) assigned to Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Seven (VQ-7) in Oklahoma City. Yamaguchi 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.
Yamaguchi has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I'm proud that I've made it to this point in my career,” Yamaguchi said. "Getting through everything we have to go through is a challenge, especially all the training we have to complete before we get to our jobs."
Yamaguchi serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
“Serving my country gives me the opportunity to protect others,” Yamaguchi said.
Yamaguchi is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to send a shoutout to my friend, Kekoa Shuster, and thank them for supporting me, especially through the hard times,” Yamaguchi added.