Rear Adm. Brett M. Mietus is a native of Chesterfield, Virginia, and a 1992 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in economics, serving as a graduate assistant football coach after commissioning. He received a master’s degree with highest distinction in national security and strategic studies from the Naval War College in 2003. In 2014, he completed Joint Professional Military Education Phase II as part of Seminar 13 and is an alumnus of Massachusetts Institute of Technology Seminar XXI.

Designated as a naval flight officer in 1994, Mietus’ tours in the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Force (MPRF) include: VP-9 (Barbers Point, Hawaii); VP-30 (Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida); VP-4 (Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii); VP-40 (Whidbey Island, Washington); CTF-72 (Atsugi, Japan); Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing TEN (Whidbey Island); and Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group (Norfolk). He is a plank owner of MPRF’s first Weapons Tactics Instructor course.

Outside of MPRF, Mietus' experience includes serving as the Russia and Baltics desk officer for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and in direct support to Carrier Strike Group 7 and the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV) leadership. His OPNAV positions spanned Air Warfare (N98), Integrated Warfare (N9I), Warfighting Requirements (N9), and support to both the Vice Chief and Chief of Naval Operations. As a flag officer, he led OPNAV N17 (Culture and Force Resilience) and Patrol and Reconnaissance Group.

Mietus assumed duties as commander, Joint Region Marianas in May 2025.

His personal awards include the Legion of Merit (five awards), the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), and various personal, unit and campaign awards.

Last Updated: 30 May 2025