Captain Brent Gaut, born in Stockton, California, graduated from the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science Degree in English in 1994. He received his commission upon graduation and was designated a Naval Aviator in September 1996.
 
Upon completion of SH-60B pilot training, Captain Gaut reported to the "Scorpions" of HSL-49. He deployed aboard USS Vincennes (CG 49), USS Vandegrift (FFG 48), USS Cowpens (CG 63) and USS Mobile Bay (CG 53). Captain Gaut's next tour of duty was as a flight instructor with the "Seahawks" of HSL-41, where he was selected as 2002 Instructor Pilot of the Year. In January 2004, he reported to and deployed aboard USS Belleau Wood (LHA 3) as Mini Boss and in support of Operations ENDURING and IRAQI FREEDOM. While deployed, he also served as Air Boss.
 
Captain Gaut reported to HSL-45 in October 2005. He served as the squadron's Aviation Safety Officer from November 2005 to September 2006, during which time HSL-45 was recognized as the 2006 CNO Aviation Safety Award winner. Captain Gaut also served as Detachment FOUR OIC, deploying aboard USS Mcclusky (FFG 41), and as the command's Maintenance Officer. 
 
 In January 2008 Captain Gaut reported to the Executive Office of the President, Office of National Drug Control Policy as a Policy Analyst. While attached, he also served as the Staff Director for the Office of State, Local and Tribal Affairs.
 
Captain Gaut checked on board HSM-77 in November of 2010 as XO of the Indomitable "Saberhawks." He assumed command in January 2012, attached to CVW-2 and embarked aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). During his XO/CO tour the "Saberhawks" were recognized as winners of the SECNAV Safety Excellence, three Battle "E", and three Gold Wrench awards throughout two combat deployments to 5th Fleet and 7th Fleet, culminating in HSM-77 becoming the first Navy squadron to win the DoD Phoenix Award.
 
In March 2013 Captain Gaut reported to the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, where he completed the Senior Course and earned a Master of Arts Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies, graduating “with distinction.”
 
In July 2014 Captain Gaut assumed command of HSM-41, the community's West Coast FRS squadron. During his tour, HSM-41 was recognized as the FY-14 Commander Theodore G. Ellyson Aviator Production Excellence Award Winner, as well as winner of the 2014 CNO Aviation Safety Award. Captain Gaut was selected for the AVN pipeline in October 2014 and completed training in March 2017.
 
Captain Gaut reported aboard Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and served as XO from May 2017 to December 2018.  He served as CO of USS San Antonio (LPD 17) from June 2019 to December 2020, and was selected for sequential command in November 2020.  He assumed command of USS George Washington (CVN 73) in June 2021.
 
Captain Gaut has accumulated approximately 2,750 flight hours and 881 shipboard landings in H-60 series aircraft. He has been awarded the Presidential Service Badge, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Battle "E" Ribbon, and various unit and campaign service awards.