TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. — A 2007 Thomasville High School graduate and Thomasville, Georgia native is serving in the U.S. Navy as part of the nation’s nuclear deterrence mission at Strategic Communications Wing ONE.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Dominique Stringer credits his parents for influencing his decision to join the service, while he was the inspiration for his brothers joining the service as well.

“Mom and dad have taught me that respect can go a long way,” said Stringer.

“They used to tell me to treat people the way you want to be treated and that value is just as true in the Navy.”

The 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, today, 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. 

“I’m honored to serve with the men and women who help keep our nation safe through nuclear deterrence,” said Capt. Edward McCabe, commodore of Strategic Communications Wing ONE. “Their dedication to our mission is a testament to our mantra of Take Charge and Move Out!”

The command consists of three squadrons and a wing staff that employs more than 1,200 active-duty sailors who provide maintenance, security, operations, administration, training and logistic support for the TACAMO aircraft fleet. 

Stringer is a master-at-arms assigned to Tinker Air Force Base where the Navy command is headquartered.

As a Navy master-at-arms, Stringer protects high value assets and provides security for personnel.

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. 

“Without us, we would be vulnerable,” said Stringer. “It is imperative that we are here to carry out this mission so people can rest easy at night knowing that they are safe.” 

Sailors serving from America’s heartland take pride in the vital mission they support as well as the nuclear deterrence they help provide. 

“Serving my country means a lot to me and has forced me to grow in so many ways,” said Stringer.  “It’s more than just a job; it’s a way of life and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”