His name is taken from the character of that name in the Transformers TV series. The name appears on his driver license, military ID, and uniform. As of April 15, 2003, Mr. Prime's unit, the 5694TH Tactical Crash Rescue Unit, is still deployed on Operation Enduring Freedom. Optimus was recalled from Iraq in June following a pair of family emergencies that included a death and a devastating fire at the home that Prime's girlfriend and her four children were to move in to.