OKLAHOMA CITY. O.K. (US Navy) – Every sailor’s story of naval service is unique. For Capt. David Gardner, this story began in New England, North Dakota, where skills and values learned there would be foundational to success in the Navy.

“The small town, get-to-know-everyone attitude helped me,” Gardner said. “I was outgoing and learned to meet others. This is similar to how it feels in the military, especially with each command that feels like a small town.”

Gardner graduated from New England High School in 1996, and attended North Dakota State for one year, before going to the U.S. Naval Academy. He graduated from the academy in 2001.

Gardner joined the Navy 29 years ago.

“I was interested in the academies because I felt like it was a challenge that I needed,” Gardner said. “All through high school, I tried to challenge myself in sports, leadership and academics.”

Today, Gardner serves as the commodore of Strategic Communications Wing ONE in Oklahoma City. Gardner 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.

Gardner has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“I’m most proud of being entrusted with the responsibility of command,” Gardner said. “Leading and serving others is a great honor.”

Gardner serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“I’m very patriotic, and it’s a family tradition to serve in the military,” Gardner said. “I feel like it’s my duty to serve. It’s very rewarding to protect and defend the interests of this country.”

Gardner is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I want to thank my mom and dad, Dan and Maureen Gardner, for all their support over the years, especially when my family and I moved many times throughout my career,” Gardner added. “Most of all, I want to thank my wife, DuAnn, for all she does to make this career possible. We’ve been married for 22 years and have moved many times. We’re currently living in our 13th home. I know it’s tough on her to reestablish our homestead every time I get orders to another location. I couldn’t do this without her.”

Feature photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Justin Johndro