Part of Strategic Communication Wing 1, VQ-3 supports the TACAMO ("Take Charge and Move Out") mission providing airborne communications links to strategic forces.

In 1989 and 1990, VQ-3 executed a no-stand-down transition from the EC-130Q to the E-6A Mercury, the Navy’s largest and first aircraft designed and built for the TACAMO mission. August of 1990 marked the retirement of the last EC-130 and exclusive E-6A operations.

Following primary flight training he reported to the E-6B Fleet Replacement Squadron (VQ-7) at Tinker AFB, OK, where he earned his NFO wings. Operational assignments include his junior officer tour with the Shadows of Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron FOUR (VQ-4).

CDR Hoffman reported to the Ironmen of VQ-3 in April 2010 for his first operational tour. While an Ironman, he made multiple detachments, participating in Joint Chief of Staff, USSTRATCOM, and EUCOM exercises.

In March of 2022, Ervin was selected to Command Master Chief and reported as Command Master Chief at Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron FOUR SIX (HSM 46) at NAS JAX. In September or 2023 he reported to his current assignment as Command Master Chief of Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron THREE (VQ-3) in Tinker AFB, Oklahoma.

vq-7 Welcome Our Wing consists of three squadrons and a Wing staff that employs over 1,300 active-duty sailors and 100 contractors to provide maintenance, security, operations, administration, training and logistic support for the E-6 Mercury aircraft fleet.

Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 3 “Ironmen” Home; Show Leaders Submenu Leaders. Commanding Officer; Executive Officer; Command Master Chief; About Us

Commanding Officer, Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 4 A native of Lubbock, TX, Commander Scarborough enlisted in the Navy in 1999. In 2000, he reported for P-3C Flight Engineer Training with the “Pros Nest” of VP-30, earning his Naval Aircrew Wings in 2001 and reported to the “Golden Eagles”.

The two operational squadrons, VQ-3 and VQ-4, prepared to move from their former Atlantic and Pacific bases in 1992-1993 and the Wing was formally established on 29 May 1992. Captain Andy Riddile, first commander ("Commodore") of the Wing, arrived in April 1992.

Part of Strategic Communication Wing 1, VQ-7 is a Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) that provides a constant flow of highly qualified aircrew to VQ-3 and VQ-4 in support of the TACAMO ("Take Charge and Move Out") mission of airborne communications links to nuclear missile units of United States Strategic Command.