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CNAF helps TACAMO celebrate Navy’s 232nd birthday

  • Published
  • By Petty Officer 1st Class Charles L. Ludwig
  • Strategic Communications Wing ONE Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE --  The Commander, Naval Air Forces joined Strategic Communications Wing ONE, the Oklahoma City Navy League and the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce Oct. 27 to celebrate the Navy's 232nd anniversary at the 15th Oklahoma Navy Birthday Ball.
   The ball, held at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, featured Vice Adm. Thomas J. Kilcine, the highest-ranking officer in Naval Aviation, who also served as the guest speaker.
   "There is no better place to celebrate the 232nd birthday of your Navy than in a Navy town -- Oklahoma City," Admiral Kilcline said at the opening of his remarks. "I can't help but wonder what our Navy's first Sailors, 232 years ago, would have thought of the idea of American Sailors someday flying in airplance from Oklahoma. I imagine that, after the initial shock, they would recognize, in all of the TACAMO community, the same qualities that have made the U.S. Navy great down through the generations."
   Admiral Kilcline took time throughout his speech to acknowledge the importance and meaning of having Sailors within the Take Charge and Move Out community who have spent time working on Individual Augmentee assignments in locations around the world.
   "One of those qualities is the willingness to serve away from their families, away from their homes, and the men and women from Strategic Communications Wing ONE have been doing just that," Admiral Kilcline said. "Tonight we recognize the service of Sailors in Iraq and Afghanistan. I'd like to welcome a group of aircrew led by mission commander Lt. Brett McDaniel, who recently returned from a deployment to Central Command. Just today we are especially happy to welcome back a maintenance detachment of TACAMO Sailors led by Senior Chief Robert Olson.
   "And other STRATCOMMWING ONE Sailors, led by Lt. Cmdr. Tony Barnes, continue to serve overseas right now. Their service and sacrifices far from home are making our great nation more secure -- that is a quality that is constant throughout all generations of American Sailors."
   Admiral Kilcline went on to talk about the relationship between the Navy's technological resources and the people who make that technology work.
   "Our cutting edge technology is vital to America's defense and security. But even more important to our nation are the people who make that technology work," he said. "Whether serving as an individual augmentee in support of the war on terror, serving on humanitarian missions bringing hope to thousands, or deployed on ships or aircraft around the world, our Sailors are helping set the conditions for security and stability in our world."
   Along with celebrating the Navy and its 232 years of existence, the Ball was held in honor of the pending dedication of the USS Oklahoma Memorial in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Since the Japanese attack on the then small American military base, USS Oklahoma has been the only ship sunk that day to not have a memorial raised in its honor.
Strategic Communications Wing ONE Wing Commander Capt. Brian Costello spoke on the plight of the memorial movement in his comments to the audience.
   "In 42 days, on Dec. 7, 2007, we will dedicate a memorial to the USS Oklahoma and those who served on her. Long overdue, this memorial at Pearl Harbor will serve as a perpetual remembrance to those who lost their lives 66 years ago," Captain Costello said. "Though much time has passed, it does not diminish the significance of this memorial, nor does it diminish the honor we bestow on those who served and who died that day."
   On that day, many families lost husbands and sons. That fact is something that is not lost of Admiral Kilcline, as he made mention of the Navy's families and the important role they serve in the Navy's mission.
   "Our spouses have worked at home and the office, raised the children, managed the finances, (and) maintained the integrity of the homefront. They have handled myriad crises that only seem to arise after we have deployed. From the days of sailor to the days of e-mail, our spouses' supporting efforts have remained constant," Admiral Kilcline said. "Army Gen. John Keane once remarked on the willingness of duty, of those who serve. He was talking about the Soldier, but I think the same applies to our Navy spouses.
   "They are willing to forego a normal like, a stable career, and a routine family life for instability and daily sacrifice, placing the good of the Navy ahead of themselves. It is an act of good will to do so."
   Over the last 16 years, the Oklahoma Navy Birthday Ball has grown into the largest celebration of its kind in the continental United States. That is an accomplishment that cannot be overlooked, Captain Costello said.
   "On a personal note, as a Navy wing commander serving in the heartland, it is a great honor and privilege to be associated with this Ball ... you make up the largest audience for a Navy Birthday Ball in the country," Captain Costello said in his remarks. "So many people help to make that possible, far too many to name. But thank you all for making this not only the largest Navy Birthday Ball, but also the best in the United States Navy."
   In that 16-year span, the Oklahoma Navy Birthday Ball has seen its fair share of high-profile guest speakers, including Admiral Kilcline, the current head of all Naval Aviation. He follows luminaries such as Vice Adm. James Zortman, the former Commander, Naval Air Forces, and Adm. Michael Mullen, the former Chief of Naval Operations and current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
   Admiral Kilcline closed his comments by offering words of encouragement and celebration.
   "So, celebrate this great Navy day, part of our great Navy's history, and reflect upon all the good that has brought us to this point in time. Our heritage is rich," Admiral Kilcline said. "You should feel proud about who you are -- part of a tradition that is now a part of your lives. And you should feel proud about what you have done and the contributions you have made to the Navy -- as a civilian, as a spouse, as a service member wearing the uniform or as a fellow countryman in support of our Sailors."
   This year's ball saw more than 1,000 people, including more than 600 TACAMO Sailors and their guests, in attendance.