Tuesday, July 16, 2013

US Pacific Fleet Master Chief visits TACAMO Sailors


By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Chris Delano
TINKER AFB, Okla. (NNS) -- U.S. Pacific Fleet Master Chief (AW/SW) Marco Ramirez, visited Tinker Base, July 12, to talk with TACAMO (Take Charge And Move Out) Sailors stationed with Strategic Communications Wing 1.

During his visit, Ramirez toured workspaces and met with Sailors from several commands, including Strategic Communications Wing 1 and Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadrons (VQ) 3, 4 and 7.

"I need Sailors that lead people, priority one is warfighter readiness, which to me, means being ready and able to execute," said Ramirez during a meeting with the First Class Petty Officers. "This means that everyone in your work center is current on their required qualifications and actively pursuing other qualifications such as their warfare qualification, rating requirements and personal development."

Other topics discussed included the future of manning requirements, upcoming changes to CMS, and the effects of sequestration and concluded with a brief question-and-answer session on the newly revised Career Waypoint Program.

"I appreciated having a subject matter expert take the time to clarify the future program processes that impact my Sailors," said Master-at-Arms 1st Class (AW) Michael Hance. "This information allows me, as a leader, to help my Sailors make informed decisions about the opportunities available specifically to them and their career goals."
"You're an awesome team," said Ramirez. "I'm so proud of each and every one of you, and I hope that each of you make chief."

Ramirez's visit ended with a tour of Moore, Okla., which took a devastating hit from a tornado during two weeks of severe weather that began May 20.

"I think the Sailors here are doing a tremendous job," said Ramirez. "Their tremendous focus and resilience in face of the recent challenges is inspiring. I think they're carrying out the mission and have proven that they're ready to do whatever the nation calls upon them to do."

Task Force 124 also known as TACAMO is located in the heartland of America at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., and is responsible to Commander Naval Air Forces for manning, training and equipping the Navy squadrons responsible for Nuclear Command and Control Communications to the nation's nuclear triad mission.