Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron 3 (VQ-3)

Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron 3 (VQ-3), known as the "Ironmen," was established in 1968 as part of the United States Navy’s strategic communications force. The squadron plays a critical role in the Navy’s TACAMO ("Take Charge and Move Out") mission, providing secure airborne communications links between national command authorities and U.S. nuclear forces. Initially operating the EC-130Q aircraft, VQ-3 later transitioned to the more advanced E-6 Mercury platform to enhance its communications capabilities. Based at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma, VQ-3 remains a vital component of the nation’s nuclear command and control structure.