Every sailor’s story of naval service is unique. For Petty Officer 2nd Class Ciarra Norris, this story began in Moore, Oklahoma, where skills and values learned there would be foundational to success in the Navy.
“Growing up in Moore taught me a strong sense of resiliency and dedication,” Norris said. “In the Navy, things are always changing, so you have to be prepared. Having resiliency and dedication helps you adapt to constantly changing environments.”
Norris graduated from Moore High School in 2020.
Norris joined the Navy three and a half years ago.
“I felt like I was stuck where I was at,” Norris said. “So, I joined the Navy to get out, meet new people, experience other cultures and have more job satisfaction.”
Today, Norris serves as a naval air crewman (avionics) assigned to Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Three (VQ-3) in Oklahoma City. Norris supports the nation’s nuclear deterrence mission at Strategic Communications Wing One (STRATCOMMWING ONE). Its “Take Charge and Move Out” (TACAMO) mission provides airborne communication links to nuclear missile units of U.S. Strategic Command.
The TACAMO mission originated in 1961 when a Marine Corps aircraft was used to test the feasibility of an airborne Very Low Frequency (VLF) communications system. Once the test was successful, funding for the program was granted, and it has continued to grow ever since.
The U.S. Navy’s presence on an Air Force base in a landlocked state may seem strange, but the position is strategic, allowing squadrons to quickly deploy around the world in support of the TACAMO mission.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
“I am most proud of becoming qualified and a second class petty officer, because it puts me in a better place to help those around me,” Norris said.
Norris serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means endless possibilities for me,” Norris said. “It opens doors that I never even thought were possible.”
Norris is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom, dad and grandparents for their endless support in everything I do and for giving me the confidence behind my decisions,” Norris added. • by Megan Lemly, Navy Office of Community Outreach -Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Justin Johndron
