Lt. Cmdr. Codey Elmer serves as a pilot assigned to Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Three (VQ-3) in Oklahoma City.
PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 1ST CLASS JUSTIN JOHNDRO

By ALVIN PLEXICO

Navy Office of Community Outreach

OKLAHOMA CITY – Lt. Cmdr. Codey Elmer serves as a pilot assigned to Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Three (VQ-3) in Oklahoma City. His mother, Susan Dusenbery, lives in Cape Coral.

Elmer earned a bachelor of science in flight operations with a minor in aviation management from the University of Dubuque in 2013 and a master’s of business administration in aviation from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 2023.

Elmer joined the Navy 10 years ago.

“My grandfather served in the U.S. Army with tours to Vietnam,” Elmer said. “Following in his footsteps, I sought purpose in my life, desiring to make a positive impact greater than myself. The U.S. Navy offered the promise of adventure, memories, fulfillment and security for my family.”

Today, Elmer serves as a pilot assigned to Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Three (VQ-3) in Oklahoma City. Elmer 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.

Elmer has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.

“My absolute proudest achievements during the decade I’ve served thus far are those where our crews and sailors persevered with significant fatigue to complete the assigned missions,” Elmer said. “The inexhaustible talent of those I serve with is second to none. The opportunities to lead through events that will never make the news, earning the respect and trust of the team, have been extremely fulfilling!”

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

“I serve in the Navy to protect our communities and the ones I love by upholding our nation’s nuclear deterrence mission,” Elmer said.

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

“I wouldn’t have achieved success without the love and support of my amazing wife, children, mom and family along the way,” Elmer added. “They are the rock on which my strength is set!”