Airman Jensen Jones, a native of Oklahoma City, learned skills and values in the Heratland that would be foundational to their success in the Navy.
“Growing up, I learned the importance of patience and trying to understand the perspective of others,” Jones said.
Jones graduated from Southmoore High School in 2024.
Jones joined the Navy one year ago.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to do something with meaning,” Jones said. “When I was in Boy Scouts, we got to spend the night aboard the retired aircraft carrier, USS Lexington, and I really enjoyed it.”
Today, Jones serves as a naval air crewman (avionics) assigned to Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Seven (VQ-7) in Oklahoma City. Jones 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.”
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Jones has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m proud that I graduated in the top 10% of my class for Navy training school,” Jones said. “I’m also proud that I earned two promotions while in boot camp.”
Jones serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“It’s an honor doing a job that actually makes a difference,” Jones said. “I am proud to be able to protect the freedom of all Americans.”
Jones is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank all my family for their support,” Jones added. “I especially would like to thank my parents, Jeff and Kristi Jones, for their continued support and for all they taught me growing up, which made me the person I am today.” •
By Alvin Plexico, Navy Office of Community Outreach
