Any person who (1) is a member of the armed forces of the United States, (2) is serving as a merchant seaman outside the limits of the United States, or (3) is outside the limits of the United States by permission, assignment, or direction of any department or official of the United States government in connection with any activity pertaining to the prosecution of any war in which the United States is then engaged and the spouse, dependent child, or other dependent of such person may have instruments acknowledged, documents attested, oaths and affirmations administered, depositions and affidavits executed, and other notarial acts performed by any commissioned officer in active service of the armed forces of the United States.