Squadron Augment Unit | VT-10

Commanding Officer

Cmdr. Joe Brkić grew up in Arcadia, California, and graduated from the University of California Davis in 1999, with a Bachelor of Arts in economics. He was commissioned in the United States Marine Corps in April 2001. Following completion of The Basic School (TBS), Brkić reported to Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida, for flight training and was designated a Naval Aviator in 2004 out of NAS Meridian, Mississippi.

Brkić reported to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106 at Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana, Virginia, for initial training in the F/A-18 Hornet in May 2004. After completing Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) training, he transferred to Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar, California, where he joined Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, in 2005, flying the F/A-18D Hornet. Brkić deployed to Iraq in 2006/2007 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, flying 387 combat missions. During his tour with VMFA(AW)-242, he served as an embarkation officer and logistical officer.

In 2008, Brkić transferred to the "Shooters" of Training Squadron Six (VT-6), at NAS Whiting Field, Florida, to become a flight instructor to student naval aviators, instructing in the T-34C and then transitioning to the T-6B. Brkić served as a student control officer, formation academic instructor, and standardization officer during his tenure as an active duty instructor pilot.

Brkić became a Marine Corps Reserve instructor pilot in late 2011, joining the Squadron Augment Unit (SAU) at VT-6, to continue instructing in the T-6B. During his tenure, he served as a standardization officer, assistant operations officer, and senior Marine.

In October of 2015, Brkić transferred to U.S. Naval Reserve, remaining affiliated with VT-6 SAU. He served as a SAU executive officer, operations officer, executive assistant, and SAU standardization officer.

Brkić currently serves as the commanding officer of the "Wildcats" of VT-10 on NAS Pensacola.

In his civilian career, Brkić is FedEx Express pilot, having also flown for JetBlue Airways. Brkić has accumulated over 4,300 hours in various Navy and Marine Corps aircraft, with over 3,000 hours as a flight instructor. His personal decorations include the Air Medal (6 Strike/Flight awards), Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal.