Nancy Elizabeth Brown
Encyclopedia
Vice Admiral
Nancy E. Brown most recently served as the Director, Command, Control, Communications and Computer Systems (C4 Systems), The Joint Staff. She is the principal advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
on all C4 systems matters within the Department of Defense
. Her service spans 32 years. She retired in 2009.
Prior to her final assignment, Vice Adm. Brown was the Director of Command Control Systems, Headquarters North American Aerospace Defense Command
and Director of Architectures and Integration, Headquarters U.S. Northern Command, Peterson Air Force Base
, Colorado. She also served as the Commander, Navy Element and Chief Information Officer for both commands.
. She was raised in Marion, Illinois
, and is a 1973 graduate of Stephens College
in Columbia, Missouri
.
in Newport, Rhode Island
, in June 1974, Vice Adm. Brown reported to her first duty station, Naval Communications Station, Norfolk, Virginia
She was assigned as communications watch officer, followed by automation officer and personnel officer. She then served as the special projects and manpower requirements officer at the Naval Telecommunications Command in Washington, D.C.
After her tour in Washington, D.C., Vice Adm. Brown attended Naval Postgraduate School
in Monterey, California
, where she earned a master of science degree in Communications Systems Management. She was then assigned to the Defense Commercial Communications Office at Scott Air Force Base
in Belleville, Illinois
. This joint tour qualified Vice Adm. Brown as a proven subspecialist in communications and led to her designation as a joint specialty officer (JSO).
From this joint assignment, Vice Adm. Brown was enrolled in the Junior Course at the Naval War College
in Newport, Rhode Island
. Completion of this course led to the awarding of a Master of Arts Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies. Her follow-on assignment was as the officer in charge, Naval Radio and Receiving Facility Kamiseya, Japan
.
Returning from overseas, Vice Adm. Brown was assigned to the Joint Tactical Command, Control and Communications Agency in Washington. After this second joint tour, she was assigned as the executive officer (XO) at the Naval Communications Station in San Diego, California
. A major segment of this tour was devoted to the establishment of the Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station, San Diego.
Upon completing this XO tour, Vice Adm. Brown was enrolled in the Senior Course at the Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania
. In August 1993, Vice Adm. Brown assumed command of Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station Cutler, Downeast, Maine
. After completing her command tour, she was selected for assignment to the National Security Council
staff at the White House
where she reported for duty in August 1995.
In July 1997, Vice Adm. Brown assumed command of the Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Atlantic headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia
. Completing her command tour in June 1999, Vice Adm. Brown returned to the White House
as the Deputy Director, White House Military Office
. It was during this tour Vice Adm. Brown was selected for Rear Admiral
.
In October 2000, she reported to the Chief of Naval Operations
as Deputy Director and Fleet Liaison, Space, Information Warfare, Command and Control (N6B). In August 2002 she assumed duties as Vice Director for Command, Control, Communications, and Computer Systems (J6), the Joint Staff.
In August 2004 she deployed to Iraq
becoming the first Multi-National Force–Iraq C6 Headquartered in Baghdad
and returned to the Joint Staff in April 2005. In August 2005 Vice Adm. Brown assumed the duties as J6 Director for both North American Aerospace Defense Command
and United States Northern Command
. In August 2006 she assumed her current duties as the Director, Command, Control, Communications and Computer Systems (C4 Systems), The Joint Staff.
in Columbia, Missouri
in 1973 with a bachelors degree in education. She attended Naval Postgraduate School
in Monterey, California
, where she earned a Master of Science degree in Communications Systems Management. Brown completed the Junior Course at the Naval War College
in Newport, Rhode Island, leading to the awarding of a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies.
, the Defense Superior Service Medal
(with two Oak Leaf Clusters), the Legion of Merit
(with Gold Star), the Bronze Star
, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal
(with Oak Leaf Cluster), the Meritorious Service Medal
, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal
(with two Bronze Stars), the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
, the Armed Forces Service Medal
, and the National Defense Service Medal
(with two Bronze Stars).
Vice admiral (United States)
In the United States Navy, the United States Coast Guard, the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Corps, and the United States Maritime Service, vice admiral is a three-star flag officer, with the pay grade of...
Nancy E. Brown most recently served as the Director, Command, Control, Communications and Computer Systems (C4 Systems), The Joint Staff. She is the principal advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is by law the highest ranking military officer in the United States Armed Forces, and is the principal military adviser to the President of the United States, the National Security Council, the Homeland Security Council and the Secretary of Defense...
on all C4 systems matters within the Department of Defense
United States Department of Defense
The United States Department of Defense is the U.S...
. Her service spans 32 years. She retired in 2009.
Prior to her final assignment, Vice Adm. Brown was the Director of Command Control Systems, Headquarters North American Aerospace Defense Command
North American Aerospace Defense Command
North American Aerospace Defense Command is a joint organization of Canada and the United States that provides aerospace warning, air sovereignty, and defense for the two countries. Headquarters NORAD is located at Peterson AFB, Colorado Springs, Colorado...
and Director of Architectures and Integration, Headquarters U.S. Northern Command, Peterson Air Force Base
Peterson Air Force Base
Peterson Air Force Base is a base of the United States Air Force located at Colorado Springs in El Paso County, Colorado, United States and it provides runways for the adjacent City of Colorado Springs Municipal Airport under a shared joint civil-military airport arrangement...
, Colorado. She also served as the Commander, Navy Element and Chief Information Officer for both commands.
Biography
Vice Adm. Brown is a native of Glen Cove, New YorkGlen Cove, New York
Glen Cove is a city in Nassau County, New York on the North Shore of Long Island. As of the United States 2010 Census, the city population was 26,964....
. She was raised in Marion, Illinois
Marion, Illinois
The city of Marion is the county seat of Williamson County, Illinois. The 2010 census counted 17,193 residents, making Marion the 25th most populated city outside of the Chicago Metropolitan Area, in Illinois, and the second most populous city in Southern Illinois, outside of the Metro-East, behind...
, and is a 1973 graduate of Stephens College
Stephens College
Stephens College is a women's college located in Columbia, Missouri. It is the second oldest female educational establishment that is still a women's college in the United States. It was founded on August 24, 1833 as the Columbia Female Academy. In 1856, David H. Hickman turned it into a college,...
in Columbia, Missouri
Columbia, Missouri
Columbia is the fifth-largest city in Missouri, and the largest city in Mid-Missouri. With a population of 108,500 as of the 2010 Census, it is the principal municipality of the Columbia Metropolitan Area, a region of 164,283 residents. The city serves as the county seat of Boone County and as the...
.
Naval career
Following completion of Officer Candidate SchoolOfficer Candidate School
Officer Candidate School or Officer Cadet School are institutions which train civilians and enlisted personnel in order for them to gain a commission as officers in the armed forces of a country....
in Newport, Rhode Island
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport is a city on Aquidneck Island in Newport County, Rhode Island, United States, about south of Providence. Known as a New England summer resort and for the famous Newport Mansions, it is the home of Salve Regina University and Naval Station Newport which houses the United States Naval War...
, in June 1974, Vice Adm. Brown reported to her first duty station, Naval Communications Station, Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia in the United States. With a population of 242,803 as of the 2010 Census, it is Virginia's second-largest city behind neighboring Virginia Beach....
She was assigned as communications watch officer, followed by automation officer and personnel officer. She then served as the special projects and manpower requirements officer at the Naval Telecommunications Command in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
After her tour in Washington, D.C., Vice Adm. Brown attended Naval Postgraduate School
Naval Postgraduate School
The Naval Postgraduate School is an accredited research university operated by the United States Navy. Located in Monterey, California, it grants master's degrees, Engineer's degrees and doctoral degrees...
in Monterey, California
Monterey, California
The City of Monterey in Monterey County is located on Monterey Bay along the Pacific coast in Central California. Monterey lies at an elevation of 26 feet above sea level. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 27,810. Monterey is of historical importance because it was the capital of...
, where she earned a master of science degree in Communications Systems Management. She was then assigned to the Defense Commercial Communications Office at Scott Air Force Base
Scott Air Force Base
Scott Air Force Base is a base of the United States Air Force in St. Clair County, Illinois, near Belleville.-Overview:The base is named after Corporal Frank S. Scott, the first enlisted person to be killed in an aviation crash...
in Belleville, Illinois
Belleville, Illinois
Belleville is a city in St. Clair County, Illinois, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city has a population of 44,478. It is the eighth-most populated city outside of the Chicago Metropolitan Area and the most populated city south of Springfield in the state of Illinois. It is the county...
. This joint tour qualified Vice Adm. Brown as a proven subspecialist in communications and led to her designation as a joint specialty officer (JSO).
From this joint assignment, Vice Adm. Brown was enrolled in the Junior Course at the Naval War College
Naval War College
The Naval War College is an education and research institution of the United States Navy that specializes in developing ideas for naval warfare and passing them along to officers of the Navy. The college is located on the grounds of Naval Station Newport in Newport, Rhode Island...
in Newport, Rhode Island
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport is a city on Aquidneck Island in Newport County, Rhode Island, United States, about south of Providence. Known as a New England summer resort and for the famous Newport Mansions, it is the home of Salve Regina University and Naval Station Newport which houses the United States Naval War...
. Completion of this course led to the awarding of a Master of Arts Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies. Her follow-on assignment was as the officer in charge, Naval Radio and Receiving Facility Kamiseya, Japan
Naval Support Facility Kamiseya
is a detachment of U.S. Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan. The facility is located on the Kantō Plain, approximately three miles northeast of NAF Atsugi, and 7.55 miles WNW of Yokohama. The base consists of 587 acres with 110 acres within the fence line...
.
Returning from overseas, Vice Adm. Brown was assigned to the Joint Tactical Command, Control and Communications Agency in Washington. After this second joint tour, she was assigned as the executive officer (XO) at the Naval Communications Station in San Diego, California
San Diego, California
San Diego is the eighth-largest city in the United States and second-largest city in California. The city is located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Southern California, immediately adjacent to the Mexican border. The birthplace of California, San Diego is known for its mild year-round...
. A major segment of this tour was devoted to the establishment of the Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station, San Diego.
Upon completing this XO tour, Vice Adm. Brown was enrolled in the Senior Course at the Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Carlisle is a borough in and the county seat of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, United States. The name is traditionally pronounced with emphasis on the second syllable. Carlisle is located within the Cumberland Valley, a highly productive agricultural region. As of the 2010 census, the borough...
. In August 1993, Vice Adm. Brown assumed command of Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station Cutler, Downeast, Maine
Maine
Maine is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and south, New Hampshire to the west, and the Canadian provinces of Quebec to the northwest and New Brunswick to the northeast. Maine is both the northernmost and easternmost...
. After completing her command tour, she was selected for assignment to the National Security Council
United States National Security Council
The White House National Security Council in the United States is the principal forum used by the President of the United States for considering national security and foreign policy matters with his senior national security advisors and Cabinet officials and is part of the Executive Office of the...
staff at the White House
White House
The White House is the official residence and principal workplace of the president of the United States. Located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C., the house was designed by Irish-born James Hoban, and built between 1792 and 1800 of white-painted Aquia sandstone in the Neoclassical...
where she reported for duty in August 1995.
In July 1997, Vice Adm. Brown assumed command of the Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Atlantic headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia in the United States. With a population of 242,803 as of the 2010 Census, it is Virginia's second-largest city behind neighboring Virginia Beach....
. Completing her command tour in June 1999, Vice Adm. Brown returned to the White House
White House
The White House is the official residence and principal workplace of the president of the United States. Located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C., the house was designed by Irish-born James Hoban, and built between 1792 and 1800 of white-painted Aquia sandstone in the Neoclassical...
as the Deputy Director, White House Military Office
White House Military Office
The White House Military Office , an entity of the Executive Office of the President, provides military support for White House functions, including food service, Presidential transportation, medical support and emergency medical services, and hospitality services...
. It was during this tour Vice Adm. Brown was selected for Rear Admiral
Rear admiral (United States)
Rear admiral is a naval commissioned officer rank above that of a commodore and captain, and below that of a vice admiral. The uniformed services of the United States are unique in having two grades of rear admirals.- Rear admiral :...
.
In October 2000, she reported to the Chief of Naval Operations
Chief of Naval Operations
The Chief of Naval Operations is a statutory office held by a four-star admiral in the United States Navy, and is the most senior uniformed officer assigned to serve in the Department of the Navy. The office is a military adviser and deputy to the Secretary of the Navy...
as Deputy Director and Fleet Liaison, Space, Information Warfare, Command and Control (N6B). In August 2002 she assumed duties as Vice Director for Command, Control, Communications, and Computer Systems (J6), the Joint Staff.
In August 2004 she deployed to Iraq
Iraq
Iraq ; officially the Republic of Iraq is a country in Western Asia spanning most of the northwestern end of the Zagros mountain range, the eastern part of the Syrian Desert and the northern part of the Arabian Desert....
becoming the first Multi-National Force–Iraq C6 Headquartered in Baghdad
Baghdad
Baghdad is the capital of Iraq, as well as the coterminous Baghdad Governorate. The population of Baghdad in 2011 is approximately 7,216,040...
and returned to the Joint Staff in April 2005. In August 2005 Vice Adm. Brown assumed the duties as J6 Director for both North American Aerospace Defense Command
North American Aerospace Defense Command
North American Aerospace Defense Command is a joint organization of Canada and the United States that provides aerospace warning, air sovereignty, and defense for the two countries. Headquarters NORAD is located at Peterson AFB, Colorado Springs, Colorado...
and United States Northern Command
United States Northern Command
United States Northern Command is a Unified Combatant Command of the United States military. Created on 1 October 2002 in the aftermath of the 11 September 2001 attacks, its mission is to protect the United States homeland and support local, state, and federal authorities...
. In August 2006 she assumed her current duties as the Director, Command, Control, Communications and Computer Systems (C4 Systems), The Joint Staff.
Education
Vice Adm. Brown graduated from Stephens CollegeStephens College
Stephens College is a women's college located in Columbia, Missouri. It is the second oldest female educational establishment that is still a women's college in the United States. It was founded on August 24, 1833 as the Columbia Female Academy. In 1856, David H. Hickman turned it into a college,...
in Columbia, Missouri
Columbia, Missouri
Columbia is the fifth-largest city in Missouri, and the largest city in Mid-Missouri. With a population of 108,500 as of the 2010 Census, it is the principal municipality of the Columbia Metropolitan Area, a region of 164,283 residents. The city serves as the county seat of Boone County and as the...
in 1973 with a bachelors degree in education. She attended Naval Postgraduate School
Naval Postgraduate School
The Naval Postgraduate School is an accredited research university operated by the United States Navy. Located in Monterey, California, it grants master's degrees, Engineer's degrees and doctoral degrees...
in Monterey, California
Monterey, California
The City of Monterey in Monterey County is located on Monterey Bay along the Pacific coast in Central California. Monterey lies at an elevation of 26 feet above sea level. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 27,810. Monterey is of historical importance because it was the capital of...
, where she earned a Master of Science degree in Communications Systems Management. Brown completed the Junior Course at the Naval War College
Naval War College
The Naval War College is an education and research institution of the United States Navy that specializes in developing ideas for naval warfare and passing them along to officers of the Navy. The college is located on the grounds of Naval Station Newport in Newport, Rhode Island...
in Newport, Rhode Island, leading to the awarding of a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies.
Awards and decorations
Vice Adm. Brown's decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service MedalDefense Distinguished Service Medal
The Defense Distinguished Service Medal is a United States military award which is presented for exceptionally distinguished performance of duty contributing to national security or defense of the United States...
, the Defense Superior Service Medal
Defense Superior Service Medal
The Defense Superior Service Medal is a senior United States military decoration of the Department of Defense, awarded to members of the United States armed forces who perform "superior meritorious service in a position of significant responsibility."...
(with two Oak Leaf Clusters), the Legion of Merit
Legion of Merit
The Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements...
(with Gold Star), the Bronze Star
Bronze Star Medal
The Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. As a medal it is awarded for merit, and with the "V" for valor device it is awarded for heroism. It is the fourth-highest combat award of the...
, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Defense Meritorious Service Medal
The Defense Meritorious Service Medal is the third-highest award bestowed upon members of the United States military by the United States Department of Defense...
(with Oak Leaf Cluster), the Meritorious Service Medal
Meritorious Service Medal (United States)
The Meritorious Service Medal is a military decoration presented to members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguished themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the United States subsequent to January 16, 1969...
, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal
Iraq Campaign Medal
The Iraq Campaign Medal is a military award of the United States armed forces which was created by Executive Order 13363 of President George W. Bush on November 29, 2004. The Iraq Campaign Medal was designed by the U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry....
(with two Bronze Stars), the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
The Global War on Terrorism Service Medal is a military award of the United States military which was created by Executive Order 13289 of President George W. Bush on March 12, 2003...
, the Armed Forces Service Medal
Armed Forces Service Medal
The Armed Forces Service Medal is a military award of the United States military which was created on January 11, 1996 by President Bill Clinton under...
, and the National Defense Service Medal
National Defense Service Medal
The National Defense Service Medal is a military service medal of the United States military originally commissioned by President Dwight D. Eisenhower...
(with two Bronze Stars).
Defense Distinguished Service MedalDefense Distinguished Service MedalThe Defense Distinguished Service Medal is a United States military award which is presented for exceptionally distinguished performance of duty contributing to national security or defense of the United States...
Defense Superior Service MedalDefense Superior Service MedalThe Defense Superior Service Medal is a senior United States military decoration of the Department of Defense, awarded to members of the United States armed forces who perform "superior meritorious service in a position of significant responsibility."...
with two oak leaf clusters
Legion of MeritLegion of MeritThe Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements...
with Gold Star
Bronze StarBronze Star MedalThe Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. As a medal it is awarded for merit, and with the "V" for valor device it is awarded for heroism. It is the fourth-highest combat award of the...
Defense Meritorious Service MedalDefense Meritorious Service MedalThe Defense Meritorious Service Medal is the third-highest award bestowed upon members of the United States military by the United States Department of Defense...
with Gold Star
Meritorious Service MedalMeritorious Service Medal (United States)The Meritorious Service Medal is a military decoration presented to members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguished themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the United States subsequent to January 16, 1969...
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement MedalAchievement MedalThe Achievement Medal is a military decoration of the United States military. The Achievement Medal was first proposed as a means to recognize the contributions of junior officers and enlisted personnel who were not eligible to receive the higher Commendation Medal or the Meritorious Service...
Iraq Campaign MedalIraq Campaign MedalThe Iraq Campaign Medal is a military award of the United States armed forces which was created by Executive Order 13363 of President George W. Bush on November 29, 2004. The Iraq Campaign Medal was designed by the U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry....
Global War on Terrorism Service MedalGlobal War on Terrorism Service MedalThe Global War on Terrorism Service Medal is a military award of the United States military which was created by Executive Order 13289 of President George W. Bush on March 12, 2003...
Armed Forces Service MedalArmed Forces Service MedalThe Armed Forces Service Medal is a military award of the United States military which was created on January 11, 1996 by President Bill Clinton under...
National Defense Service MedalNational Defense Service MedalThe National Defense Service Medal is a military service medal of the United States military originally commissioned by President Dwight D. Eisenhower...
with two bronze stars