Major James Brao is a native of Hamilton, MA. He attended and completed his undergraduate education at Tufts University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. He commissioned in the Marine Corps in August 2016 and subsequently attended the Basic Officer’s Course in Quantico, VA. After graduation from TBS, he reported to NAS Pensacola for flight training, receiving his wings and designation as a naval aviator in July 2019, and reported to the MV-22 Fleet Replacement Squadron (VMMT-204) at MCAS New River for follow on training.
After finishing the FRS flight training, Major Brao reported to VMM-261 as the Uniformed Readiness Coordinator and S-1 officer in January 2020. He deployed to Moron Spain as part of Special Purpose MAGTF (SPMAGTF) North Africa Response Force (NARF) 21.2 from March to July 2021. During this deployment, he participated in multiple exercises in Europe and Africa. Returning from the MEU, he was subsequently assigned as the S-1 OIC, and then Airframes Division OIC. From January to April 2022, Major Brao participated in Exercise Cold Response in Norway. In March 2023, Major Brao attended Aviation Safety Officer School and upon graduation joined VMM-162 as an Aviation Safety Officer. He deployed with VMM-162 as part of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). He supported multiple exercises and in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, and combat operations in support of Operation Inherit Resolve. Upon Return from deployment in March 2024, Major Brao assumed duties as Pilot Training Officer and Assistant Operations Officer. He attended Weapons and Tactics Instructors Course 25-1. Major Brao assumed the role of Director, Safety and Standardization in May of 2025, and deployed with VMM-162 to Djibouti in support of Crisis Response – Africa 26.1. Upon return from deployment in April 2026, Major Brao assumed the billet of Executive Officer.
Major Brao has logged over 1200 mishap-free flight hours, including over 1000 hours in the MV-22. His military education includes the Basic School, Naval Flight Training, MV-22 Flight Training, Aviation Safety Officer Course, NATO Cold Weather Warfare Instructors Course, and Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course. His personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (Gold Star in Lieu of Second Award).