Brent Blackmer is the Global Sales and Marketing representative for the Patuxent River Field Office responsible for Naval Aviation’s Unmanned Aerial Systems & Weapons (U&W), NGAD, and T-7. “Stretch” served 28 years as a Naval Aviator and senior staff professional, retiring as a Captain. He flew a variety of aircraft while in the Navy, including the FA-18C Hornet and the FA-18E/F Super Hornet. He made numerous extended deployments aboard USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65), USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN-73), USS EISENHOWER (CVN-69) and twice in USS HARRY S TRUMAN (CVN-75). Brent flew combat missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn, and Operation Noble Anvil. Additionally, he was the Battle Director at the Combined Air and Space Operations Center in Qatar in support of Operation Inherent Resolve in 2016. Brent was selected for Air Wing Command at Carrier Air Wing One (CVW-1) after serving as Commanding Officer twice: Strike Fighter Squadron Three Seven (VFA-37) and bonus command at Strike Fighter Squadron One Zero Six (VFA-106), the east coast fleet replacement squadron. Brent’s staff tours include US Fleet Forces Command, N72, Director Training Technology and LVC; Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic, N40, Director Fleet Readiness; Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, OPNAV N98 Requirements Officer for FA-18A-F, F-35, and Next Generation Air Dominance. He is a member of the 1000 Trap Club and accumulated 4100 tactical aircraft flight hours. Brent is an Honors graduate of the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science.