Commander Brett “Bert” Learner, of Reno, Nevada, enlisted in the Navy in April 1997. He served as an Aviation Electronics Technician (AT) responsible for maintaining the SH-60B and EA-6B radar systems at three duty stations: NS Mayport, NAS Whidbey Island, and NAS North Island. He was also stationed aboard the USS Enterprise (CVN 65) and Nimitz (CVN 68).

In 2003, he was selected for the Seaman-to-Admiral (STA-21) Commissioning Program and graduated from Broadened Opportunity for Officer Selection and Training (BOOST) in 2005. He graduated with Honors from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA, in May 2007, earning a Bachelor of Science in Sociology, and was commissioned as an officer. After completing flight training, he was designated as a Naval Aviator in June 2010 and reported to Airborne Command and Control (VAW) 120 for initial fleet training in the C-2A Greyhound.

CDR Learner's operational assignments include serving with the “Rawhides” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 in Norfolk, VA, from 2011-2014, with detachments aboard the USS Enterprise (CVN 65) and USS Bush (CVN 77). He also served two tours with the “Providers” of VRC-30 in San Diego, CA, from 2017-2021, as Operations Officer, Safety Officer, Maintenance Officer, and Officer-in-Charge (OIC). As the OIC of VRC-30 detachment 4 “Pure Horsepower,” he was attached to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 and Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 3 aboard the USS Stennis (CVN 74) during the 2018-2019 around-the-world deployment.

CDR Learner’s shore duty assignments include T-45C Goshawk Instructor Pilot and Landing Signals Officer (LSO) Phase Head with the “Redhawks” of Training Squadron (VT) 21 in Kingsville, TX, from 2014-2017. He also served at the Navy Personnel Command in Millington, TN, from 2021-2023 as the Placement Officer for the VRM (CMV-22) and VRC (C-2) community, and the aviation incentive pay and aviation bonus program manager. As the program manager, he earned a financial resource management (FM) subspecialty code.

In 2024, CDR Learner reported as Executive Officer to the “Mighty Bison” of VRM-40 following his transition to the CMV-22 Osprey with the “Sunhawks” of VRM-50.

CDR Learner has flown over 2,600 flight hours in single- and multi-engine, jet, and tilt-rotor aircraft. He was selected as the 2014 East Coast Greyhound Pilot of the Year. In 2023, he completed the Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) Phase 1 through Air University.

His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four awards), and various other personal, unit, and service awards. CDR Learner is married to the former Jodi Guida of McKeesport, PA, who is studying to become a medical doctor. They have three adult children: Tristan, Madison, and Logan. 

Last Updated: 7 May 2024