Deputy Commodore
Capt. Brett Elko
Capt. Brett Elko is a native of Charlotte, North Carolina and earned his commission and bachelor’s degree in physics at the United States Naval Academy in 2002. He graduated from the George Mason University in 2009 with a master’s degree in conflict analysis and resolution.
Capt. Elko has piloted the SH-60B and MH-60R helicopters throughout his aviation career. His tours include detachment maintenance officer at HSL-45; instructor pilot and assistant training officer at HSM-41; plank owner and quality assurance officer at HSM-78; squadron maintenance officer and operations officer at HSM-73. At sea, he deployed aboard USS Lake Champlain (CG 57), USS McClusky (FFG 41), USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), and USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).
His staff assignments include flag aide to the Commandant, Industrial College of the Armed Forces in Washington, DC, and the deputy assistant chief of staff for requirements, experimentation, and innovation (N8/N9) at U.S. Third Fleet in San Diego, CA. His joint duty assignment was at the White House where he served as the Navy Military Aide to Vice President.
Capt. Elko commanded Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron Seven Nine (HSM-79) and was responsible for the transition from a carrier air wing operations in San Diego, CA to an expeditionary fighting team in support of U.S. Sixth Fleet in Rota, Spain. Following command, he served as the rotary wing commander assignments officer and deputy director of the aviation officer distribution division, PERS-43, Navy Personnel Command.
Capt. Elko reported to Commander, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Atlantic to assume the duties of deputy commander in January 2025.
His military decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy Achievement Medal, and various unit, campaign, and service awards.