Howie Shapiro 5K – September 9

The Howie Shapiro 5K will be held September 9 at 0730 at the Sailor Pavilion.

If anyone is available, please come out and support the squadron—whether by helping with the event or participating in the 5K.

Come out, show your support, and honor Howie’s legacy!

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The History Behind the Howie 5K by Vern Lochausen

In response to your request about Howie Shapiro, here is the document from the Wing program that celebrated TACAMO’s 25th anniversary in 1993, marking 25 years since the TACAMO squadrons were commissioned.

At the time, LT Dave Meron was working in VQ-3 Operations under Operations Boss Dave Buckey. Dave came to my office—I was then called the Chief Staff Officer, essentially #2 behind Commodore Andy Riddile—and proposed holding a 5K run in honor of Howie.

It was a no-brainer. Commodore Riddile gave his approval, and I participated in the run when it was held.

Since then, people have occasionally asked about the history of the run. Most notably, in 2018, AWF1 Jerson Martinez, then with VQ-7, took an interest in its history. Jerson created a coin design, which Danny Owens produced, and the coins were distributed to the runners.

Jerson went a step further and asked for information about Howard’s two sons so he could send each of them a coin. That was a totally awesome act by a young TACAMO Sailor and a wonderful way to honor Howie’s legacy.

Howie’s Broader Impact on TACAMO

In addition to what is documented in the Wing program, I want to emphasize that Howie was a powerful civilian leader in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Command, Control, Communications and Information Systems (ASD C3I).

Several TACAMO officers worked for him in that office, most notably then-CDR Kermit Ayres.

Howie was a visionary. He was not afraid to pioneer new ideas or challenge the status quo. He became a strong advocate for replacing the C-130 Hercules with the E-6, and later played a key leadership role in developing a more streamlined system of airborne platforms dedicated to strategic nuclear deterrence missions.

His support resulted in significant cost avoidance in these programs, the retirement of several USAF squadrons, and the transfer of formerly Air Force communications missions to the Navy’s TACAMO squadrons.

The addition of these missions and associated equipment to the E-6A Mercury between 1996 and 1998 ultimately resulted in the designation of the E-6B TACAMO/Looking Glass aircraft.

Howie’s influence went well beyond a single program or aircraft. His vision helped shape the evolution of TACAMO and its enduring role in the nation’s strategic nuclear deterrence mission.