Executive Officer
Cmdr. Brett Johnson
Cmdr. Brett Johnson, a native of South Amboy, NJ, graduated with a bachelor of Science in Political Science from the United States Naval Academy in 2004. Upon graduation he attended Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA, graduating with a master of Science in Systems Technologies in 2005. Johnson earned his “wings of gold” in July of 2007 and completed initial training as an MH-60S pilot in 2008.
Johnson reported to the “Chargers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26, Norfolk, VA, for his initial sea tour. Between 2008 and 2011 he deployed to Naval Support Activity Bahrain in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and aboard USNS Supply (T-AOE 6) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
In March 2011, Johnson reported to the “Fleet Angels” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 2, Norfolk, VA, as an MH-60S Fleet Replacement Instructor Pilot. In October 2012, he deployed aboard the USS San Antonio (LPD-17) in support of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief for the NY & NJ regions post Hurricane Sandy. In February 2014, he was accepted to the “Redwolves” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 84, a dedicated special operations support unit in Norfolk, VA. He deployed in 2015, to U.S. Central Command’s Crisis Response Element in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
Johnson reported to his department head tour in October 2015 with the “Tridents” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9, Norfolk, VA. He deployed aboard the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) in direct support of CVW-8 and CSG-2 during Operation Inherent Resolve from January 2017 to August 2017 as the squadron’s operations officer.
Post department head tour, he was selected as a fellow for the Secretary of the Navy’s Tours with Industry and spent one year with Amazon Prime Air in Seattle, WA, integrating with the unmanned flight test team as a flight test specialist and operations manager.
Johnson’s awards include the Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy Achievement Medal (two awards), and various campaign and unit awards. He has over 2,700 flight hours in both the HH-60 “Rescue Hawk” and MH-60S "Knighthawk."