A native of Holland, PA, Commander Brown graduated from Penn State University in 2009, earning Bachelor of Science degrees in Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering. CDR Brown was commissioned an Ensign through Naval Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI, and reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for flight training in November 2009. He earned his Pilot Wings in March 2012. In April 2012, CDR Brown reported to the VAQ 129 “Vikings” for initial fleet training in the EA-18G Growler.
 
CDR Brown began his operational flying in May 2013 with the “Cougars” of VAQ 139.  While a “Cougar,” he deployed aboard the USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70), participating in Operation INHERENT RESOLVE and flying 26 combat missions over Iraq and Syria. 
 
Selected to attend the Airborne Electronic Attack Weapons School (HAVOC), CDR Brown reported to NAS Fallon, NV in March 2017. He graduated in June 2017 and joined the HAVOC staff.
 
CDR Brown returned to the fleet as a Training Officer at VAQ 130 “Zappers” in June 2019. While with the “Zappers,” he deployed aboard the USS DWIGHT D EISENHOWER (CVN 69) in support of Operation FREEDOM SENTINAL, serving on IRON IKE’s record breaking 2020 deployment.  
 
Following his Training Officer tour, CDR Brown reported to the “Gauntlets” of VAQ 136 in December 2021 as a Department Head. At the “Gauntlets” CDR Brown served as the Administrative Officer, Maintenance Officer, and Operations Officer.  The squadron deployed in June 2021 aboard the USS CARL VINSON (CVN-70) on short notice in support of real-world contingency operations. 
 
In January 2023 CDR Brown reported to VX-9 Det Nellis to serve as a project officer and test pilot on future Navy programs. While at Det Nellis, CDR Brown was the first Naval Aviator to qualify to fly the RQ-170 SENTINEL.
 
CDR Brown has accumulated over 2,300 flight hours and 480 carrier arrested landings, including 26 combat missions. He is entitled to wear the Strike/Flight Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (4 awards), Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal and various personal, unit, and service awards.

Last Updated: 20 March 2025