Squadron Augment Unit | VT-3

Commanding Officer

Originally from Frederick, MD, CDR Brett Bell graduated with a Bachelor of the Arts degree and was commissioned as an Ensign through the ROTC Program at Virginia Tech in May of 2007. Upon commissioning, CDR Bell reported to Naval Aviation Schools Command and earned his Naval Aviator Wings in January of 2009 out of Training Air Wing FOUR at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, TX.

In December 2009, CDR Bell was designated as a P-3C Pilot and reported to the Tridents of Patrol Squadron TWO SIX (VP-26) on board NAS Jacksonville, FL. During his time with the Tridents, CDR Bell qualified as a P-3C Aircraft Commander, Mission Commander, and Fleet Instructor Pilot. CDR Bell served in VP-26 as the Assistant Operations Officer and Pilot Training Officer. He conducted two operational deployments and multiple exercises and detachments with the "Lokos" of Combat Aircrew Four.

After completing his operational tour with VP-26 in February of 2013, CDR Bell reported to the "Doerbirds" of Training Squadron TWO (VT-2) on board NAS Whiting Field. Over three years with the Doerbirds, CDR Bell earned every advanced qualification in the T-6B and guided 24 onwings through the Primary Flight Training Syllabus. He ended his tour as a Fixed Wing Instructor Training Unit Instructor Pilot with over 1300 mishap free hours in the T-6B Texan II.

Upon detaching from VT-2 in January of 2016, CDR Bell requalified in the P-3C and reported to Special Projects Patrol Squadron TWO (VPU-2) onboard Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay Hawaii. He earned multiple qualifications and supported worldwide operations with the Wizards of VPU-2.

In June of 2018, CDR Bell detached from VPU-2 and separated from Active Duty. He began a career with Southwest Airlines as a First Officer and moved to Colorado. In September of 2018, CDR Bell was selected to rejoin VT-2's Squadron Augment Unit as a Selected Reservist. He happily returned to the Doerbirds and requalified in the T-6B Texan II. During his time in the VT-2 SAU, he served as the Standardization Officer, Operations officer, and Executive Officer. He was selected to command the Training Squadron THREE Squadron Augment Unit in May of 2023.

CDR Bell has 3900 military flight hours and his awards include the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and multiple unit and campaign awards.