TACAMO: Take Charge and Move Out

Tinker Air Force Base is a well known military base in Oklahoma. Known for it's long standing employees and size. However many do not know Tinker is home to many Navy men and women. In 1989, the United States Military decided in order to better watch over the Navy it should be condensed 6 Naval home ports into one location. Which brought many serving to Oklahoma.

This addition to Tinker brought a reduction of 25 percent in operations and personnel expenses. The bringing in of the Navy allowed for many women and men to remain closer to their families as well as allowing the Navy to have one command center instead of six. Making it easier for operations.

"Take Charge and Move Out!" was used to task the development of naval aviation. It's main goal was to create a communication system between the President and other commands with missile submarines. Today TACAMO is the provider for command and control capability for 3 platforms. Submarines, bombers, and land-based missile sites. The TACAMO branch currently operates with 3 squadrons. These men and women in these squadrons are always on the fly. Being deployed is part of their job.

According to Petty Officer Second Class; Timothy Jacobson, "there actually are a lot of people in the Navy that know nothing about 'my' aircraft or the job we do". When Jacobson was assigned to one of the squadrons he had to Google the aircraft and what he would be doing. He was coming from California. However after years of service he still loves being in Oklahoma. He claims that since the squadrons are not spread out things are a lot easier."It's a great place to live."

Yet, the question remains why do so little people know of this. The month of October was declared Navy month by Gov. Brad Henry. Also, in the month of October the Navy holds an annual Navy Ball at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. Which has become one of the largest balls in the Navy. In attendance are all military branches stationed at Tinker. All that is left to know is how the men and women feel while leaving their loved ones at home while they serve our country.