VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Senior Chief Petty Officer Brandon Flot, a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Naval Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC), part of the Navy’s expeditionary force.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Marieliza Rosales, Navy Public Affairs Support Element East |
Flot graduated from St. Augustine High School in 2004.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in New Orleans.
“I learned early on that discipline is essential, and it is a key piece in focusing on navigating your North Star,” Flot said. "Learning the teamwork mentality is a key to success in anything. It is always required."
Flot joined the Navy 21 years ago. Today, Flot serves as a logistics specialist.
“I joined the Navy to provide for my family,” Flot said. "I have no regrets and wouldn't change a thing."
Headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia, NECC provides oversight, training and support for the Navy’s expeditionary forces worldwide. From EOD technicians and Seabees to maritime security and logistics sailors, NECC integrates these specialized communities into a ready force capable of deploying quickly and operating wherever they’re needed. A dedicated civilian workforce stands alongside uniformed personnel, ensuring the command has the depth and expertise to keep pace with evolving missions.
NECC’s focus is clear: Arrive on Station, Stay on Station, and Sustain the Fight. By building readiness at home and enabling operations abroad, NECC ensures that expeditionary sailors are equipped, trained, and prepared to deliver when the Navy and the nation call.
Headquartered in Gulfport, Mississippi, and Port Hueneme, California, the Seabees deploy worldwide in support of both military and humanitarian missions. Their motto, “We Build, We Fight,” captures a legacy of resilience and adaptability that has defined them for more than 80 years. Whether responding to hurricanes, constructing expeditionary camps, or supporting frontline operations, Seabees bring the grit and skill that turn vision into reality – quietly shaping the battlespace and the communities they serve.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Flot has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment was when I was on USS Stout in 2020 during COVID, and we were continuously underway for 215 days,” Flot said. “During all of that time, we never lost a crew member, and that is a testament to the leadership we were able to provide.”
Flot serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy is a very proud aspect of my life,” Flot said. "Understanding what it takes to serve in the Navy this long is a testament to our ability as leaders."
Flot is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom, Terri Duplessis McCrea, for having the strength to let me go at 18 to join the service,” Flot said. "I also want to thank Raecin Flot, who has supported me throughout my career. She has traveled with me and put up with everything the Navy has asked of me."
“I am retiring in March of next year, and right now I have no definite plans, but I want to continue working with Navy logistics,” Flot said.