Rear Adm. Putnam H. Browne is a native of Piedmont, California, and a 1990 U.S. Naval Academy graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering. In 1993, he was designated a Naval Aviator. He received a Master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island in 2005. In 2008, he completed Nuclear Power School in Charleston, South Carolina, graduating with distinction.

Browne’s aviation tours include assignments with the “Rough Raiders” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 125 as a replacement/instructor pilot with the “Blue Diamonds” of VFA-146, “Mighty Shrikes” of VFA-94 as a department head, and the “Blue Blasters” of VFA-34 as executive officer and commanding officer, respectively. He has made multiple deployments in support of U.S. 5th Fleet and U.S. 7th Fleet operations to include Operations Iraqi Freedom and Operation Noble Eagle.

In 2009, Browne took orders to USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) as the executive officer participating in operations covering five fleets including Operation Unified Response, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation New Dawn. The ship was awarded the Battle Efficiency “E” award. In 2013, he served as commanding officer of USS Green Bay (LPD 20), leading the ship out of an extensive maintenance availability period back to full operational readiness. Green Bay successfully deployed with the Peleliu Amphibious Readiness Group, conducting operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet, U.S. 6th Fleet, and U.S. 7th Fleet areas of responsibility. In 2017, he reported aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) as commanding officer taking the ship from a four plus year extended overhaul, through a complete workup cycle and through U.S. 2nd, 6th, and 5th Fleets and homeport change to San Diego. The ship was awarded the Battle Efficiency “E” award.

Browne’s shore assignments include serving as the executive assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, executive officer and senior military evaluator in Air Warfare for Director, Operational Test and Evaluation for the U.S. Secretary of Defense, flag aide to Commander, Naval Air Forces Pacific, and director, 21st Century Sailor Office. Browne assumed the duties of Director, Assessment Division (OPNAV N81) in August 2022.

His personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (two awards), Meritorious Service Medals (three awards), Air Medal with a Combat “V”, Air Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and various unit campaign and service ribbons. He was the winner of the 1998 Order of the Daedalians Flight Thirteen Distinguished Airmanship Award and has accumulated over 2,500 flight hours and over 450 carrier landings.

Last Updated: 1 March 2024