Photo By Robert Fluegel | Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Atlantic (NCTAMS LANT)...... read more read more
On Thursday, March 30, Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Atlantic (NCTAMS LANT) held a dedication ceremony to formally name its newly constructed building on board Naval Station Norfolk, which is headquarters for the Navy’s largest computer and telecommunications commands. The building is named in honor of Chief Radioman Thomas J. Reeves, a World War II Medal of Honor recipient and the only Radioman in Naval history to receive the Medal of Honor.
NCTAMS LANT had the distinct honor to have Command Master Chief Jay Walker, Fleet Cyber Command / U.S. 10th Fleet / U.S. Navy Space, as the guest speaker. “The Reeves Communication Center serves as the Fleet’s largest and most complex communications nerve center. This facility is critical to maintain our asymmetric advantages across every battlefield and every domain,” Walker said. “Ensuring our warfighters around the globe have the right information at the right time allows our commanders to make the most informed decisions. I am humbled and honored to be part of this day to dedicate this facility, which rightfully bears the name of a Medal of Honor recipient, Radioman, an enlisted Sailor, and a Chief I might add – all in one warfighter.”
Thomas J. Reeves enlisted in the Naval Reserve during World War I and served as an Electrician, rising to the rank of Chief Electrician before being honorably discharged in July 1919. During that period he served on board USS America (CV-66) and USS Santa Ana (ID-2869). After a brief separation from the service, Reeves reenlisted in April 1920 again as a Chief Electrician. A year later Reeves’ rate changed to Radioman.
Chief Reeves was serving on board USS California (BB-44) when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. After the first Japanese torpedoes struck the California, he helped others to safety until he was forced to abandon the main radio room due to flooding, making him the last man out of Radio. The California’s mechanized ammunition hoists were taken out of commission during the torpedo strikes. Chief Reeves realized the desperate need for ammunition and, under his own initiative in a burning passageway, he assembled a team of able-bodied men and led a hand-supply ammunition chain to supply the anti-aircraft guns. Chief Reeves led the team until he was overcome by smoke and fire, where he eventually was overcome by smoke and fire, which resulted in his death.
For his distinguished conduct, Chief Reeves was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor by the President Franklin D. Roosevelt. He also was awarded, posthumously, the Purple Heart Medal and was entitled to the American Defense Service Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.
“As the Navy’s largest communication command, it was imperative that we honor a communicator who displayed our warfighting spirit. Chief Reeves’ service, heroic actions, and
sacrifice serves as inspiration for present and future communicators,” said Command Master Chief Brandon Faulkner, NCTAMS LANT. “Every day when the crew walks through these doors and past the memorial display, they are not only reminded of Chief Reeves’ legacy and selfless attributes, but also of their commitment to the Fleet and our Navy.”
“Honoring Chief Reeves and the bravery he displayed during one of darkest periods in this nation’s history given NCTAMS LANT mission, is most appropriate,” said Capt. Bob Carmickle, commanding officer, NCTAMS LANT. “The Sailors and civilians headquartered at this command alongside our worldwide detachments stand a 24/7/365 watch to keep telecommunication systems operating securely, efficiently and effectively. The pride and courage in which Chief Reeves served in the Navy is how we strive to perform every single day.”
The Reeves Communication Center provides dramatically enhanced warfare capacity and capabilities for the Fleet and our joint warfighting efforts. NCTAMS LANT’s mission is to operate and defend responsive, resilient, and secure computer and telecommunications systems, providing information superiority for global maritime and joint forces.
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-USN-
| Date Taken: | 03.30.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 04.03.2023 08:36 |
| Story ID: | 441590 |
| Location: | NORFOLK, VA, US |
| Web Views: | 232 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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