Fessenden Native Serves with Naval Command in Europe

By Megan Brown, Navy Office of Community Outreach

NAPLES, Italy- 25 years ago, Captain Brian Weigelt joined the Navy because he felt a calling from God to step out of his comfort zone and support people facing challenges. Now, Weigelt is serving at Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa.

Weigelt is a chaplain responsible for providing direct religious support for Protestant Christians, facilitating religious support for personnel of other faiths and advising the commanding officer on matters pertaining to religion, morality and morale.

Weigelt's favorite part about working at the command is inspiring junior chaplains.

Weigelt is a 1989 Fessenden High School graduate, a 1999 MidAmerica Nazarene University graduate and a 2012/2017 graduate of Naval War College. He is a native of Fessenden, North Dakota. 

According to Weigelt, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Fessenden. 

"Growing up on a farm in North Dakota helped me know how to find a way to get things done, even when it seemed as though the resources weren't available and the situation was challenging," said Weigelt. "Being a part of a community during challenging times is what makes it possible to thrive."

With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.

The Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) area of responsibility (AOR) covers approximately half of the Atlantic Ocean, from the North Pole to Antarctica; as well as the Adriatic, Baltic, Barents, Black, Caspian, Mediterranean and North Seas.

“I am confident we will maximize the Navy we have today while delivering the Navy that our nation will rely upon tomorrow,” said Gilday. “And we will do so with urgency. Our fleet will be a potent, formidable force that competes around the world every day, deterring those who would challenge us while reassuring our allies and partners.”

There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers. Weigelt is most proud of serving with the Marines in combat after transferring to active duty service. 

"This is the experience that has shaped my entire career as a chaplain," said Weigelt. "Everything else I've done has been informed by this experience."

As a member of the U.S. Navy, Weigelt, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.

"It is an honor to care for those who commit themselves everyday to protecting our nation while pursuing peace and justice in the world," added Weigelt. "Serving in the Navy is an incredible opportunity to be pushed everyday to pursue excellence, not simply success. Success is performance measured against the performance of others. Excellence is performance measured against my own potential. The Navy has provided examples of leaders whose professionalism and character has always challenged me to keep pressing toward excellence."

U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet continue their missions of conducting maritime operations in Europe and Africa. Forces stand ready throughout the two theaters, and command leadership remains committed to taking every measure possible to protect the health of forces, as well as local residents. Warships, submarines, and aircraft continue their patrols to deter and defend against threats to U.S., NATO, and partner nations.