TACAMO
Memorial Stone
Location: Honolulu at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, informally known as the Punchbowl. From the chapel, follow the path leading to the Honolulu overlook. The memorial is about 3/4 of the way up, on your right.
On June 8th, 2017, TACAMO Community Veterans Association (TCVA) dedicating a large granite monument honoring the TACAMO fallen and remembering TACAMOPAC Crew 4 in Honolulu, Hawaii at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, informally known as the Punchbowl.
TACAMOPAC Crew 4 perished off of Wake Island. Those 16 fine men that gave 'that last measure of devotion' to duty, honor and country.
Finally, TCVA have recognized the history, not only Crew 4's sacrifice, but the dedication the TACAMO community has shown over the past 50 plus years to the defense of our nation.
Etched on Memorial:
DEDICATED TO ALL WHO SERVED THE TACAMO MISSION
IN MEMORY OF VQ 3 TACAMO CREW 4 WHO PERISHED OFF THE COAST OF WAKE ISLAND DURING A TACAMOPAC MISSION IN EC-130Q BUNO 156176 AT 2230 HOURS LOCAL ON JUNE 21, 1977
“Take Charge And Move Out = TACAMO”
A term coined for the mission… “To provide a mobile communications link in support of deployed strategic ballistic missile submarines”.
TACAMO Shipmates who have taken the time during Hawaiian vacations to visit and honor
TACAMOPAC Crew 4 & the TACAMO Fallen
Dave started Howie Shapiro Memorial 5K Run and earned the call sign Super Dave during his outstanding career.
Flew the last Herc away at VQ3 and has had a great airline career.
Flew Hercs n Mercs, one of first FEs to transition. Joann and I flew Herc missions up n down West Coast.
Jef was with TACAMO from March 2007 until May 2010, VQ-7, Wing & VQ-3. Now in Navy Reserves serving in Oahu. His flight into Hawaii landed early on Memorial Day, so he decided to pay a visit to remember our fallen at the National Memorial of the Pacific. He had been there many times, never on Memorial Day - it was definitely a great day to visit. He passed by the Crew 4 Memorial & fixed the flag that the wind had knocked down, said a prayer and continued his visit.
