Roslyn native supports nuclear deterrence from America’s heartland

The Island Now
Petty Officer 2nd Class Ethan Marr of Roslyn is a U.S. Navy logistics specialist. (Photo courtesy of U.S. Navy)

A 2007 Roslyn High School graduate and Roslyn, New York 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 Ethan Marr credits his hometown experience for his success in the Navy.

“Growing up in a competitive, fast-paced part of the country allowed me to progress quickly up the ranks, making petty officer 2nd class in just 18 months,” said Marr.

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 Captain Edward McCabe, commodore, 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.

Marr is a logistics specialist assigned to Tinker Air Force Base where the Navy command is headquartered.

A Navy logistics specialist is a procurement manager and oversees the government credit card program to ensure taxpayers’ money is being used correcrtly to accomplish the mission.

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.

“Our mission is one that we hope we never use, but what we represent is extremely important,” said Marr. “We must make sure we are always ready 24/7/365.”

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

“It’s an honor to serve my country,” said Marr. “You always watch those videos or movies as a kid, but it’s been incredible understanding and being a part of such a special brotherhood and sisterhood.’”

Share this Article