United States Navy Commander Ron Herrera assumed command of Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Three (VQ-3), the “Ironman Squadron,” during a change of command ceremony on May 7.
VQ-3 is composed of nearly 700 sailors, chiefs and officers operating across three sites: squadron headquarters at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma; and detachments at Travis Air Force Base, California; and Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. The squadron operates eight E-6B Mercury aircraft, making VQ-3 the largest operational squadron in the U.S. Navy.
The E-6B Mercury is a military variant of the Boeing 707 and supports the TACAMO mission — Take Charge and Move Out. Equipped with very low frequency trailing wire antenna systems, the aircraft provides the president and national leadership a survivable and reliable ability to command and control America’s nuclear forces, even under the most demanding conditions.
Herrera took command following service as VQ-3’s executive officer. A prior enlisted sailor and naval aviator, he has served in the Navy for more than 25 years and brings extensive TACAMO, operational and joint experience to the role.
Herrera is a native of Española, a 1999 graduate of McCurdy High School, and the son of Art and Norma Herrera.