COMMANDING OFFICER
CDR Christopher P. Brown
CDR Brown was born in Dayton, Ohio in 1972. He earned a Bachelor's degree from The Ohio State University, and was commissioned an Ensign through NROTC in June 1995. Commander Brown was designated a Naval Aviator in February 1997, and was ordered to MH-53E Fleet Replacement training at Helicopter Marine Training Squadron 302 (HMT-302) MCAS New River, NC.
CDR Brown's first fleet assignment was to the "Vanguard" of Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron FOUTREEN (HM-14) in Norfolk, VA. He qualified as Aircraft Commander, AMCM Mission Commander, and Functional Check Pilot. He deployed in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH and participated in numerous detachments.
In August 2000 CDR Brown reported to HMT-302 at MCAS New River as a CH-53E and MH-53E FRS instructor pilot responsible for training both Navy and Marine Corps student pilots. In February 2001, CDR Brown relocated to the Airborne Mine Countermeasures Weapon System Training School (AWSTS) as the Navy's MH-53E training moved to Norfolk, VA. In 2002, he transitioned to the Training and Administration of Reserves (TAR) Program.
In May 2003 CDR Brown reported to the "Blackhawk's" of Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron FIFTEEN (HM-15) in Corpus Christi, TX. He served as the Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI), Aviation Safety Officer, and Detachment Officer-in-Charge. In 2003, he deployed to the Persian Gulf with a four aircraft contingent supporting Maritime Interdiction Operations. As Detachment OIC, he participated in Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM and Operation LIFELINE-Pakistan supporting earthquake relief efforts in 2005.
In June 2006, CDR Brown reported to Naval Air Facility Washington, Andrews Air Force Base as the Assistant Reserve Program Director. While assigned, he was responsible for the support and management of more than 3200 Selected Reserves in 106 units, and 4 squadrons. Additionally, he qualified as Transport Plane Commander in the UC-12 aircraft.
In March 2008, CDR Brown reported back to the "Vanguard" of Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron FOURTEEN as the Reserve Officer-in-Charge. In February 2010, he reported as a student to the Naval War College in Newport, RI where he earned a Masters Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies and completed the Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) Phase II curriculum.
In May 2011, CDR Brown reported back to HM-14 to assume the duties of Executive Officer of the largest deploying helicopter squadron in the Navy. His personal decorations include the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (4), Navy Achievement Medal(2), and numerous other unit and campaign awards.
CDR Brown is married to the former Heidi Schultz from Coolville, OH. They have two children, Abigail and Luke..