TW4 R.C. Leadership

Operational Support Officer (OSO)

Cmdr. Michael Brown is from Humble, Texas, and graduated from Texas A&M University in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in industrial engineering. He holds a master's degree in aeronautical science from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (2011).

Upon commissioning through Officer Candidate School, Brown began aviation training and was designated a naval aviator in 2005. Following Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) training in the MH-60S Sea Hawk with the "Merlins" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 3, Brown reported to the "Blackjacks" of HSC-21 at Naval Air Station (NAS) North Island, Coronado, California. He served as Line Division Officer, Search and Rescue Officer, and Assistant Operations Officer, earning qualification as a MH-60S Assistant NATOPS Instructor Pilot, Sea Combat Mission Commander, and Functional Check Flight Pilot. While assigned to HSC-21, Brown completed three deployments to the Pacific Fleet area of operations and flew missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Pacific Partnership.

In 2009, Brown reported to the "Boomers" of Training Squadron (VT) 27 at NAS Corpus Christi, Texas. He served as Flight Leader, VNAV Standardization Officer, Squadron Standardization Officer and Training Department Head, qualifying as a T-34C Standardization Instructor Pilot. In 2011, Brown was selected as the VT-27 Instructor Pilot of the Year.

In 2012, Brown reported to the Operations Department aboard aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). He served as Air Transfer Officer, Assistant Air Operations Officer, and Assistant Strike Operations Officer. During his tenure, he completed two combat deployments to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and qualified as an Officer of the Deck.

In 2014, Brown was selected for transition to the Navy's Full Time Support (FTS) community and reported to the "Stingrays" of VT-35 at NAS Corpus Christi. He served as a TC-12B Huron Instructor Pilot, Reserve Department Head and Operations Officer overseeing the squadron's aircraft transition from the TC-12B to the T-44C Pegasus. While assigned to VT-35, Brown was selected as the 2016 CNATRA Association of the United States Navy FTS Officer of the Year.

In June 2017, following his department head tour, Brown reported to U.S. Fleet Forces Command in Norfolk as the USFF Maritime Operations Center Training Officer, responsible for the standardization of staff processes in the Force Employment of U.S. Naval Forces North.

Brown has accumulated more than 3,900 military flight hours and achieved instructor qualification in the MH-60S, T-34C Turbo Mentor and TC-12B. His personal awards include the Navy Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement medal, and numerous service and campaign ribbons.