Commanding Officer

CAPT Scott Brunson was born in Kentucky and raised in Virginia, Iowa, and Illinois. He is a graduate of the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Science in Integrative Biology. He also holds a Master of Arts in International Relations from Webster University and a Master of Arts in Strategic Studies from the U. S. Army's Strategic Leadership Studies Program. Operationally, Brunson's tours include flying with the "World Watchers" of Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron ONE (VQ-1) flying the EP-3E Aries II in support of Operations SOURTHERN WATCH, ENDURING FREEDOM, and IRAQI FREEDOM also with missions in the Western Pacific; USS KITTY HAWK (CV-63) in support of the Forward Deployed Naval Forces in the Western Pacific; the "Rangers" of Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron TWO (VQ-2) flying in support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM, ENDURING FREEDOM, NEW DAWN, ODYSSEY DAWN, and UNIFIED PROTECTOR; the "Screaming Eagles" of Patrol Squadron ONE (VP-1), where he served as the Executive and the Commanding Officer, deploying twice to the Western Pacific as well as the Middle East in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE. Ashore, Brunson's assignments include serving as Flag Lieutenant for Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group (CPRG) at NSA Norfolk, VA; Support to Operations Air Officer, Executive Officer-Support to Operations Division, and Coordination Officer-J3 Directorate at NATO's Supreme Headquarters, Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Mons, Belgium; Japanese Engagement/Operational Plans/Future Requirements Director (N5/N7/N8) for Commander, Task Force SEVEN TWO (CTF-72) located at NAF Atsugi, Ayase, Japan; Fleet Government Program Manager for Commander, U. S. Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor, HI. CAPT Brunson assumed command of NROTC University of Idaho/Washington State University in September 2023.