TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. - A Germantown, Maryland, 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.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Christopher Canelos-Campos, a 2015 Clarksburg High School graduate, joined the Navy seven years ago.
“I joined the Navy to see the world,” said Canelos-Campos. "I needed a change and something new. Joining the Navy seemed like a great opportunity for that."
Canelos-Campos uses skills and values similar to those found in Germantown to succeed in the Navy.
“My hometown taught me to be assertive,” said Canelos-Campos. "Back home you have to stand your ground. Everyone is more forward, and it's like that in the Navy too. You really have to put your foot down if you want to succeed."
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.
Canelos-Campos serves as an aviation structural mechanic with VQ 3.
“"My job is working with nuclear deterrence aircraft,” said Canelos-Campos. “The people that I meet really make the job interesting. Meeting new people from different areas is definity the most fulfilling part of my job and being in 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 Canelos-Campos 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 keeps the seas safe,” said Canelos-Campos. “We keep the oceans safe as a show of power."
Canelos-Campos and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My proudest Navy accomplishment would have to be working hard enough to be sent to Spain,” said Canelos-Campos. "Getting my shop fully qualified, including supervisor role, quality assurance, and safety qualification, opened up an opportunity for the team to go to Rota, Spain. While out there, I got plenty of pictures and explored the country. It was a well-earned reward."
As Canelos-Campos and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Being in the Navy means serving my country,” added Canelos-Campos. "It has shown me how this job truly makes a difference in this country. My service is for our country."