Command Master Chief John “Bill” Brown retired after more than 22 years of distinguished
service in the U.S. Navy SEALs. After completing Gunner’s Mate School and Basic Underwater
Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training, his first assignment was with SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team
ONE in Pearl City, HI, where he undertook multiple deployments to the U.S. INDO-PACOM and
U.S. CENTCOM theaters. These included several national mission taskings and combat
deployments to Iraq.
Bill later transferred to Naval Special Warfare Basic Training Command in Coronado, CA, where
he served as a combat diving instructor and Second Phase Senior Enlisted Advisor. In this role,
he was responsible for coordinating all training evolutions as the Diving Safety Officer and
served as the department’s Master Training Specialist.
Following his time as an instructor, Bill was selected as a Platoon Leading Chief Petty Officer at
SEAL Team FIVE in Coronado, CA. During this assignment, he deployed as part of the U.S.
CENTCOM Crisis Response Element NSW Ready Force. Upon returning, he was assigned as the
Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Navy Parachute Team, also known as the “Leap Frogs.”
Bill’s next assignment was as the Special Reconnaissance Troop Leading Chief Petty Officer at
Special Reconnaissance Team ONE, where he deployed in support of Special Operations Task
Force-Iraq. He was subsequently promoted to Master Chief Petty Officer and served as the
Operations Department Master Chief. Bill concluded his Navy career as the Command Master
Chief of Special Reconnaissance Team ONE, retiring in 2024.
Bill is a graduate of the Navy Senior Enlisted Academy and holds a bachelor’s degree from the
University of West Florida. His personal awards include the Bronze Star Medal with Valor (2),
Meritorious Service Medal (2), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4), Navy and
Marine Corps Achievement Medal (4), and numerous unit and campaign awards. He has been
happily married for over 20 years and resides in San Diego with his wife and four children.