BLACK SOCIAL HISTORY VICE ADMIRAL DAVID L. BREWER, III

COMMANDER, MILITARY SEA LIFT COMMAND

Vice Adm. (ret) David L. Brewer III is a native of Farmville, Va. His distinguished naval career began in 1970 when he was commissioned an ensign in the U.S. Navy by former Secretary of the Navy, the late Senator John Chafee (Rep.-R.I.). He was a member of the first graduating class of the first Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps unit at a historically black university, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, Tex. Vice Adm. Brewer's first assignment was as the Electronic Warfare Officer aboard the guided missile cruiser USS Little Rock (CLG 4). From March 1972 until June 1975, he served as Minority Recruiting Officer at Naval Recruiting District, Memphis, Tenn. In June 1975, he returned to sea as the Combat Information Center Officer aboard the guided missile cruiser USS California (CGN 36). In 1977, Vice Adm. Brewer attended the Surface Warfare Officer's Department Head School in Newport, R.I. From August 1978 to October 1980, he served as the Weapons Officer aboard the guided missile cruiser USS William H. Standley (CG 32). In 1981, he reported as the Engineering Officer aboard the amphibious helicopter carrier USS Okinawa (LPH 3). From March 1983 to December 1984, he served as the Executive Officer aboard the Tank Landing Ship USS Fresno (LST 1182). In January 1985, Vice Adm. Brewer returned ashore and served as the Enlisted Community Manager for Combat Systems' ratings in the Office of Naval Operations (OP-13), Washington, D.C. From June 1986 to September 1988, he commanded the tank landing ship USS Bristol County (LST 1198). During his command tour, Bristol County earned several awards, including the Battle Efficiency "E." In 1988, Vice Adm. Brewer was hand-selected by Adm. C.A.H. Trost, Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), as Special Assistant for Equal Opportunity. In this capacity, Vice Adm. Brewer was the advisor to the Navy's top leadership, and the CNO's personal representative at equal opportunity forums nationwide From April 1991 to December 1992, he commanded USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), Second Fleet's flagship. In March 1993, Vice Adm. Brewer attended the Senior Officer's Course at the Naval War College, Newport, R.I. In December 1993, he was nominated for promotion to the rank of Rear Adm. (Lower Half). From August 1994 to December 1996, Vice Adm. Brewer served as Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Marianas/Commander in Chief U.S. Pacific Command Representative Guam/Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands/Federated States of Micronesia/Republic of Palau. In January 1997, Vice Adm. Brewer took the helm as Commander, Amphibious Group THREE. In July 1997, he was nominated for promotion to the rank of Rear Adm. (Upper Half). From March 1999 to August 2001, Vice Adm. Brewer served as the Vice Chief of Naval Education and Training in Pensacola, Fla. In August 2001, Vice Adm. Brewer assumed command of Military Sealift Command (MSC) in his final assignment. At the time, MSC operated 124 ships and numerous shore facilities around the world. The command employed more than 8,000 people worldwide. MSC's mission was to provide ocean transportation of equipment, fuel, supplies and ammunition to sustain U.S. forces worldwide during peacetime and in war. He was promoted to the rank of Vice Admiral in October 2002. Vice Adm. Brewer's personal awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (three awards), Meritorious Service Medal (two awards) and the Navy Achievement Medal.