TACAMO community sees change of command at Tinker Feb. 27

Published March 6, 2009
By Petty Officer Jessica Vargas
Strategic Communications Wing ONE Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- Capt. Dwight D. Shepherd succeeded Capt. Brian D. Costello as Strategic Communications Wing ONE and Task Force 124 commander Feb. 27 during an official change of command and retirement ceremony held at Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron THREE.

Captain Shepherd takes command as the Take Charge and Move Out community's 11th wing commander after spending the last 20 months as the SCW-1 and CTF-124 deputy commander. He now presides over the overall operations of Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadrons THREE, FOUR and SEVEN, along with the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training on Tinker Air Force Base.

"[Captain] Shepherd is an extremely talented naval officer and has been a great deputy commander to me," said Captain Costello. "As he takes over this wing today, I am confident in the future of the E-6B Mercury community and its leadership."

The guest speaker for the ceremony was Rear Adm. Kenneth Deutsch, director of Capabilities and Resource Integration, U.S Fleet Forces Command.

"As the men and women of Strategic Communications Wing ONE carry strength and freedom to the most dangerous parts of the world, you do so unmatched in professionalism, passion, and class that has never been seen before," said Admiral Deutsch. "Commodore Shepherd, you bring an accomplished résumé and great personality to the task and I anticipate new heights of achievement from the wing under your command."

As the new commodore, Captain Shepherd said he is proud to serve with TACAMO Sailors and knows they will always be ready to execute the mission if called upon.

"They are some of the finest in the Navy and I am proud to be part of such a quality organization, working side by side with these men and women," said Captain Shepherd. "I hope we are never called upon to execute our primary mission of nuclear deterrence, but rest assured, if called upon by President Obama these young men and women will do their jobs flawlessly."

After passing over command, Captain Costello, who has completed seven tours with the TACAMO community, retired from Naval service after 26 years.

"Captain Costello, under your leadership and strength the wing has flourished and you and your Sailors truly have much to be proud of. Your skill and guiding hand ensured all TACAMO missions were done right and done professionally," said Admiral Deutsch. "You can retire knowing that you have done the job right and you have left behind a wing that is ready to take charge and move out."

The TACAMO community's 16 E-6B Mercury aircraft enable the president of the United States and the secretary of Defense to directly contact submarines, bombers and missile silos protecting national security through nuclear deterrence.