Paul Brantuas

Lieutenant Commander, United States Navy

Lieutenant Commander Paul Brantuas is a native of San Diego, California. Paul graduated from University City High School in 1990 where he ran track and played football. He attended San Diego Mesa Jr. College and later graduated from San Diego State University earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 1997.

Paul received his commission in May 1998 from Officer Candidate School at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida. Following initial flight training in Pensacola, he reported to NAS Corpus Christi, Texas for primary flight training at Training Squadron 28 (VT-28) where he flew the T-34C Turbo Mentor. He then transferred to NAS Meridian, Mississippi for intermediate flight training at Training Squadron 9 (VT-9) where he flew the T-2C Buckeye. He earned his wings of gold in September 2000 after completing advanced flight training at NAS Kingsville, Texas.

Paul reported to Fighter Squadron 101 (VF-101) at NAS Oceana, Virginia, where he was trained to fly the F-14D Super Tomcat. IN February 2002, he reported to the VF-31 "Tomcatters" where he served as the First Lieutenant Officer, Aircraft Division Branch Officer, Line Division Officer, Automated Data Processing Officer, Pilot Training Officer and as Landing Signals Officer (LSO). He deployed aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Southern Watch, and Iraqi Freedom followed by another deployment aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74).

In March 2005, Paul transitioned to the F/A-18 Hornet with the VFA-125 "Rough Riders" at NAS Lemoore, California, where he remained as an instructor pilot. While at VFA-125, he served as an LSO, Strike Fighter Pilot Phase Head, and Aviation Syllabus Training Officer in addition to his duties as a Fighter Weapons Phase instructor.

Paul joined the Blue Angels in September 2007. He has accumulated more than 1,500 flight hours and 280 carrier arrested landings. His personal decorations include the Strike Flight Air Medal, Individual Air Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and various unit and personal awards.