A native of Hillsboro, Oregon, CAPT Bean graduated from Oregon State University in 2001, earning a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. CAPT Bean was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Program and reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for flight training in October 2001. In November 2003, he was designated a Naval Aviator in Kingsville, TX, receiving orders to VFA-125 in Lemoore, CA for F/A-18C Hornet initial training.

CAPT Bean began his operational flying in October 2004 with the Knighthawks of VFA-136 in Virginia Beach, VA. While a Knighthawk, he completed two deployments aboard USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65), participating in Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM while earning the 2007 Atlantic Fleet’s Landing Signal Officer (LSO) of the Year award.

CAPT Bean reported to VFA-106 as an Instructor Pilot in February 2008 where he trained students in both the legacy F/A-18C and the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. After graduating from the Naval Aviation Safety School, he served VFA-106 as the Aviation Safety Officer and the Carrier Qualification phase head.

In June 2010, CAPT Bean joined CARRIER AIR WING SEVEN, while deployed on board USS EISENHOWER (CVN-69) and supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, as a Carrier Air Wing LSO. In December 2011, CAPT Bean began his department head tour with VFA-83. He participated in OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM while deploying on USS EISENHOWER during 2012 and 2013 deployments.
In 2015, he received a master’s degree in East Asian Strategic Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA. In December 2015, CAPT Bean joined the Joint Chiefs of Staff, working various C/4 Cyber issues in the J-6 Requirements Division.
 
He joined VFA-192 as Executive Officer in December 2019 and assumed command as the Commanding Officer in May 2021, leading the Golden Dragons on a 2021-22 Western Pacific deployment on board USS CARL VINSON (CVN-70).

In September 2022, he reported to the Navy Office of Legislative Affairs to serve as the Naval Aviation Portfolio Manager, working with Congressional Members and Staffers on US Navy programs, requirements, and priorities. In June 2024, CAPT Bean returned to Naval Air Station Lemoore to resume flight training on a training track for CARRIER AIR WING ELEVEN. He reported to CVW-11 in December 2023 for duties as Deputy Air Wing Commander.

CAPT Bean has accumulated more than 3300 flight hours and 700 carrier-arrested landings. His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, two USN Meritorious Service Medals, three Air Medals (Strike / Flight), three Navy Commendation Medals, and various service awards and ribbons.

Last Updated: 20 December 2024