Captain Brian “G” Kesselring is a native of Fargo, North Dakota. In 2000, he earned his Bachelor’s degree with majors in Physics, Mathematics, and Business from Concordia College while competing in basketball and track & field. He was commissioned in 2001 from Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida, and designated a Naval Aviator in 2003.  He earned his Master’s in National Security and Strategic Studies, and a Halsey Alfa AQD, from the Naval War College in 2016.
 
Captain Kesselring’s fleet assignments include tours with VFA-105, VFA-14, VFA-31, CVW-1, and as Commanding Officer of VFA-81.  He has deployed aboard the aircraft carriers USS HARRY S. TRUMAN, USS JOHN C. STENNIS, USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH, USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, USS RONALD REAGAN, and the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON in support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM, ENDURING FREEDOM, NEW DAWN and INHERENT RESOLVE as well as operations within the EUCOM and INDOPACOM AORs.
 
His shore assignments include serving as an instructor pilot at the United States Navy Fighter Weapons School, “TOPGUN,” and serving as the Commanding Officer and Flight Leader of the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, “The Blue Angels.” 
 
CAPT Kesselring has accumulated more than 5,300 flight hours and over 900 carrier-arrested landings. His decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal (six awards), Navy Commendation Medals (three awards), Navy Achievement Medal (two awards) and various personal, unit and service awards. His personal decorations and unit citations are attributed to the outstanding men and women he has served with throughout his career.

Captain Kesselring reported to Carrier Air Wing FIVE in July of 2023.
 

Last Updated: 18 December 2024