SAN DIEGO - Senior Chief Petty Officer Brandon Van Baggen, a native of Portland, Oregon, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Commander Naval Air Forces (CNAF), supporting naval aviation around the world.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Caleb Kissner, Fleet Public Affairs Center San Diego |
Van Baggen graduated from James Madison High School in 2003.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Portland.
“Growing up in Portland, I was constantly outdoors, whether camping or just visiting the mountains and the Oregon coast,” Van Baggen said. “This fostered a deep-seated desire for a career that was just as immersive and challenging, which ultimately guided my transition into special warfare. My parents also instilled a powerful work ethic in me, a lesson that became the bedrock of a long and successful career supporting the Navy’s most elite team.”
Van Baggen joined the Navy 21 years ago. Today, Van Baggen serves as an information systems technician.
“I was captivated by military stories from a young age, both in movies and books,” Van Baggen said. “The promise of global travel and the opportunities to experience the world firsthand were the driving forces behind my decision to join the Navy and start my own adventure.”
Based at Naval Air Station North Island, California, CNAF oversees the Navy’s aircraft wings, squadrons, aircraft carriers, support facilities and training commands. CNAF is responsible for manning, training and equipping deployable, combat-ready naval aviation forces to compete and win in any environment.
“Our people are the very essence of naval aviation,” said Vice Adm. Douglas Verissimo, the commander of Naval Air Forces, also known as the ‘Air Boss.’ “Each individual’s commitment to excellence, from the flight deck to the maintenance bay, is what allows us to project power and ensure our nation’s security. It’s the dedication of every sailor and officer from every state and territory that fuels our warfighting readiness and guarantees our success in any environment.”
Naval aviation provides the Navy and our nation with a flexible, adaptable and lethal force to preserve peace, respond in crises and win decisively in combat. The U.S. Navy maintains and operates more than 2,000 aircraft to fulfill various mission sets in order to preserve the American way of life and ensure freedom, security and prosperity.
Van Baggen has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My greatest pride comes from my personal life, marrying my wife and raising our son and daughter in San Diego,” Van Baggen said. “While my job was incredibly rewarding, with a direct impact on operational outcomes, it often took me away from home. Knowing that my family was thriving and supported by a strong community and resources back home is my most cherished accomplishment. The one moment that stands out most is on my first deployment to the Middle East in a direct support role. Early in my career, I was driven by a desire to see my work translate into real-world impact. It was my mentor, Chief Stevens, who saw that drive and potential in me. He didn't just train me, he challenged me and, most importantly, he trusted me.”
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity.
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.
“It may sound cliché, but serving has truly meant being a part of something much larger than myself,” Van Baggen said. “It’s an expression of a deep love for our nation and a commitment to defending the principles we stand for. It has been my honor to play my part in that.”
Van Baggen is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“It was my very first chief that instilled confidence and dedication to duty that helped me get to where I am today,” Van Baggen said. “I also would like to thank my family, the Chiefs Mess, as well as my mentors who have helped me along the way to get me to where I am today.”
Van Baggen looks forward to the future in the Navy and personal life.
“I'll be retiring in July this year and for my month of retirement, I’m channeling my commitment to service into a new mission,” Van Baggen said. “This summer, during my terminal leave, I will be embarking on ‘The Long Ride Home’ -- a 2,200-kilometer cycling journey that spans from my hometown of Portland to my final duty station on Coronado. The ride will raise awareness and funds for two causes close to my heart. The 2,200-kilometer journey is representative of 22 service members who, unfortunately, take their lives every day.”