CDR Brett “Butters” Butterfield was raised in Stillwater, OK, and graduated from the US Naval Academy in 2007. He completed aviation training at NAS Pensacola, Vance AFB, and 
NAS Corpus Christi. He was designated a Naval Aviator in 2009 and completed initial P-3C “Orion” training with VP-30 at NAS Jacksonville. CDR Butterfield has a Bachelor of Science 
in History from USNA, a Master of Arts in Global and International Studies – Interagency Studies from the University of Kansas, a certificate in Business Negotiation from Yale, and a 
certificate in Leadership and Innovation from MIT. 

In February 2010 he reported to Patrol Squadron FOUR SEVEN (VP-47) in Kaneohe, HI, and earned Mission Commander, Functional Check Flight Pilot, Instructor Pilot, and NATOPS 
Instructor designations in the P-3C. He completed three deployments operating in the 5th, 6th, and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility (AOR) and served as detachment Officer in Charge 
(OIC) in Souda Bay, Crete. 

In September 2013 CDR Butterfield returned to VP-30 as a P-8A “Poseidon” Fleet Replacement Squadron Instructor Pilot where he helped transition four Squadrons from 
the P-3C to the P-8A.

CDR Butterfield served onboard USS CARL VINSON (CVN-70), homeported in San Diego, CA, as an Aircraft Launch and Recovery Officer “Shooter” from August 2016 to June 2018. 
His leadership roles included V-5 and V-2 Division Officer, TOPCAT, Air Department Training Officer, and Officer of the Deck Underway. He completed WESTPAC Deployments in both 
2017 and 2018. 

CDR Butterfield is a 2019 graduate of the United States Army Command and General Staff College, Leavenworth, KS. He earned in-resident Joint Professional Military Education 
Phase 1 and numerous certifications in National Strategy, Defense Support to Civil  Authorities, Homeland Security, and other Federal Emergency Management Agency 
qualifications. 

In October 2019 he returned to VP-47 at NAS Whidbey Island, WA, where he served as the Command Services, Administrative, and Maintenance OƯicer. As an Air to Air Refueling 
NATOPS Instructor he helped lead the integration of airborne refueling throughout the Whidbey Island P-8A Squadrons. He completed two deployments to the 4th, 6th, and 7th
Fleet AOR. CDR Butterfield served as the OIC in the North Atlantic where he led anti-submarine warfare operations across Norway, Iceland, and Lajes. He also spearheaded 
eƯorts in the establishment of a permanent P-8A presence at NAF Atsugi, Japan.
 
CDR Butterfield most recently served at the Pentagon, Joint StaƯ, J-36, Deputy Directorate for Nuclear and Homeland Defense Operations from June 2022 to July 2024. While there, 
he served as the Assistant Deputy Director for Operations and Presidential Strike Advisor or Operations Team ONE. 
 
CDR Butterfield has flown over 3,000 hours in naval aircraft. His decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, and various 
other personal and unit awards.