ADS | Continuing His Mission To Serve

Continuing His Mission To Serve

underline

Continuing His Mission To Serve

SECOND CAREER, SAME MISSION: NAVY VET BRENT GAUT ENJOYS SECOND CHANCE TO SERVE HIS COUNTRY

After a decorated Navy career that spanned over 30 years, Brent Gaut has found a new way to serve his country and today’s Sailors at ADS.

He is our new Deputy Director, Navy-Marine Corps Team, joining the ranks of accomplished military veterans who have discovered rewarding second careers at ADS.

After a proud Navy career that saw him serve as Executive Officer for the USS Gerald R. Ford and Commanding Officer for the USS San Antonio and the USS George Washington, Brent sees ADS as a new opportunity to continue making a difference for tomorrow’s Sailors and warfighters.

More than the flying or driving ships, he said, it was always the people in the Navy who resonated with him the most. He loved helping Sailors grow both personally and professionally, confident this was where he could make the biggest difference.

Now, as the Navy celebrates its 249th birthday on October 13, Brent said he’s thinking about all of the Sailors he proudly served alongside, and how he can serve them in a new way at ADS – by putting the best gear and equipment in their hands to keep them safe and prepared.

There are so many amazing young men and women right now on ships and in squadrons serving our country that don’t get the credit they deserve,” he said. “Amazing minds, personalities, unique individuals, all selflessly working for their country. That’s who I’m thinking about.”

Brent's own selfless service began in Dana Point, CA, in the 1980s, where he was first identified as a good candidate for the Navy as a freshman at Dana Hills High School. Top Gun was thrilling movie lovers all over the country, Brent included. Flying Navy planes sure seemed like a cool job.

He’d go on to attend the Navy Academy, graduating in 1994 and earning his “wings of gold” in 1996, then joining his first helicopter squadron a year later. It touched off a long career and love for service that saw him go on to become Commanding Officer of two helicopter squadrons before becoming Commanding Officer of the USS San Antonio and prior to his retirement, the USS George Washington for 31 months.

While he thought about staying in the Navy in hopes of one day making Admiral, ultimately, it was his ability to focus on his family while still serving his country that lured Brent to ADS. Having a good friend on a similar career path who had great things to say about ADS helped, too. After a visit, Brent left inspired by the company’s mission, culture and goals.

“It was almost fate the way it worked out, because they had just opened a new position that was the perfect fit for me, and so I applied,” he said. “ADS is a company focused on the same extraordinary men and women who I have supported throughout my career, and I feel blessed to be part of the ADS mission.”