About this Unit
Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron FOUR (VQ-4), also known as the "Shadows," was established in July 1968 to provide strategic airborne communications for the U.S. Navy’s TACAMO ("Take Charge and Move Out") mission. Originally flying EC-130G aircraft, the squadron transitioned to the EC-130Q, and later to the Boeing E-6A Mercury in the 1990s, enhancing its capability to relay messages from national command authorities to U.S. nuclear forces. VQ-4 played a vital role during the Cold War, maintaining continuous airborne alert and readiness. Based at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, VQ-4 continues to support national strategic deterrence and global communications as a key component of the Navy’s airborne command and control structure.
Historical Facts
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Origins in the Cold War: Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron 4 (VQ-4), known as the "Shadows," was established in 1968 at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, to provide strategic communications for the U.S. Navy’s nuclear deterrent forces during the Cold War.
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TACAMO Mission: VQ-4’s primary mission is TACAMO ("Take Charge And Move Out"), ensuring survivable, endurable, and reliable communications between national command authorities and U.S. nuclear forces.
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EC-130Q Aircraft: The squadron originally flew modified Lockheed EC-130Q Hercules aircraft, uniquely outfitted with trailing wire antennas for very low-frequency (VLF) communications with ballistic missile submarines.
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E-6 Mercury Transition: In the early 1990s, VQ-4 transitioned to the Boeing E-6A Mercury, and later to the upgraded E-6B, which combined TACAMO and Airborne Command Post missions.
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Global Reach: VQ-4’s aircraft can relay messages from the President and Secretary of Defense to U.S. submarines, bombers, and missile silos anywhere in the world, 24/7.
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Operation Frequent Wind: VQ-4 played a key support role during the 1975 evacuation of Saigon, ensuring continuous communications for U.S. forces engaged in the operation.
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Relocation to Tinker AFB: In 1992, VQ-4 moved from NAS Patuxent River to Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma as part of a consolidation of TACAMO operations.
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“Looking Glass” Support: The E-6B Mercury replaced the U.S. Air Force’s EC-135 “Looking Glass” airborne command post, with VQ-4 sharing this critical nuclear command and control mission.
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Awards and Recognition: VQ-4 has received multiple Battle “E” awards for combat efficiency, as well as the Navy Unit Commendation for its outstanding performance.
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Emblem and Nickname: The squadron’s emblem features a shadowy figure with lightning bolts, symbolizing their covert, powerful communications capability. The “Shadows” nickname reflects their always-present but rarely seen support.
