Hometown Heroes: From Severna Park To The Heartland, Sailor Supports U.S. Navy’s “Take Charge And Move Out” Mission

Every sailor’s story of naval service is unique. For Airman Thai Sachs, this story began in Severna Park, where skills and values learned there would be foundational to success in the Navy.

“Growing up, I learned the importance of respecting each other,” Sachs said. “When people are nice to one another, we can get a lot more done. My aunt and uncle also taught me the importance of following instructions.”

Sachs graduated from Severna Park High School in 2023. He joined the Navy one year ago.

“While I was in college, I decided I wanted something different,” Sachs said. “I’ve always thought about joining the military, and that seemed like the right time in my life to do it.”

Today, Sachs serves as an aviation structural mechanic (safety equipment) assigned to Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Three (VQ-3) in Oklahoma City. Sachs 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.

Sachs has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“I’m proud that I speak several languages, including French, Italian and Portuguese,” Sachs said.

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

“I’m thankful for all this country has given me, and I feel patriotic about my service in the Navy,” Sachs said.

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

“I want to thank my aunt and uncle, Sonia and James McCarthy, for adopting me and supporting my decision to join the Navy,” Sachs added. “I’m grateful for everything they did for me. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”

Do you want to nominate a military member or veteran, police officer or firefigher, or another deserving person as a Hometown Hero? Email spvnews@severnaparkvoice.com.