Executive Officer
Cmdr. Brett M. Ballard
Commander Ballard is a native of Indianapolis, Indiana. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from Purdue University in 2007, following which he was commissioned through NROTC. CDR Ballard earned his “Wings of Gold” in December 2009 and completed initial training as an SH-60F and HH-60H pilot in 2010.
Ballard’s first operational flying tour began in August 2010 with the Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 11 “Dragonslayers” in Jacksonville, FL. Between 2010 and 2013 he deployed twice aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
In January 2014, Ballard reported to the “Merlins” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 3, San Diego, CA as an MH-60S Fleet Replacement Instructor Pilot. While there, he was qualified in the MH-60S and the MQ-8B Firescout. During this tour, Ballard attended the Naval Post Graduate School and graduated with a master’s degree in Systems Analysis.
For his disassociated sea tour, Ballard reported to the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) as an Assistant Air Operations Officer. While serving aboard the USS George H.W. Bush, he qualified as Officer of the Deck (Underway) and deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
Ballard then reported to his Department Head tour in October 2019 with the “Dragon Whales” of HSC-28, Norfolk, VA. He was the officer in charge of a 4-month deployment aboard USS Billings (LCS 15) operating in 4th Fleet. Additionally, he served as the squadron’s Operations Officer and Quality Assurance Officer.
Following his Department Head tour, Ballard reported to the Pentagon in December 2021 serving as the AMCM requirements manager on the staff of Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV) N95. While at OPNAV N95 he was selected for operational command.
Ballard’s awards include three Navy Commendation Medals, two Navy Achievement Medals, and various other campaign and unit awards. He has accrued over 1,800 flight hours in the SH-60F, HH-60H, and M-60S.