SAN DIEGO – Under a bright California sun and the shadow of naval history, Capt. Frank Brajevic was promoted to rear admiral on Oct. 4, 2025 aboard the USS Midway, a fitting location for a ceremony celebrating a career dedicated to service, leadership, and the health of those who serve. The promotion signifies not just a personal achievement, but a continuation of care and mission for warfighters, veterans, and their families throughout the Pacific region.

Brajevic, now serving as Reserve deputy director of Medical Forces Pacific, embodies a unique blend of clinical expertise and operational leadership, a path forged from humble beginnings in San Pedro, California. Brajevic graduated from San Pedro High School in 1981 with about 2,500 students. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from the University of California, Irvine in1986, followed by a Doctor of Dental Surgery from UCLA in 1990. He continued his specialized training with postdoctoral work at the Medical College of Georgia in 1992 and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in 1993, honing the skills that would define his career.


“I joined the Navy Reserve as a dental officer to serve with purpose and broaden my horizons,” Brajevic explained. “Inspired by VA colleagues with military backgrounds, I was eager to gain experiences beyond the VA - serving in clinics, hospitals, and aboard ships. The Navy offered me not only professional diversity but also invaluable leadership training that has shaped me as both a clinician and a leader.”

Motivated by a strong desire for diverse experience, Brajevic’s career encompassed operational deployments to Africa and assignments at Naval Medical Center San Diego.

Further demonstrating leadership advancement, his service included a sequence of five key leadership roles. He served as the executive officer and then acting commanding officer at 4th Dental Company. Following this, he served as acting executive officer for Operational Health Support Unit Camp Pendleton. He then served as executive officer and later as commanding officer at Operational Health Support Unit Bremerton.

Dedication to the specialized medical community was evident during his service as the prosthodontic specialty leader at the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery. Throughout his career, he consistently sought opportunities to refine leadership skills, ultimately graduating with distinguished status from the Marine Corps University’s Command and Staff College Distance Education Program.

“Every assignment has shaped my leadership,” Brajevic said. “As executive officer, I empowered others to lead. As commanding officer, I fostered innovation and creative solutions. As deputy chief of staff, I leveraged expertise from my team, and as chief of staff, I championed mentorship by encouraging strategic, independent thinking. These experiences have made me a more adaptive and impactful leader.”

Brajevic acknowledged the strong family support that played a crucial role in his success, helping him navigate the challenges of deployments, frequent relocations, and demanding schedules.

“I am deeply grateful for the support received from my wife Andrea and my daughter Michelle, whose love and encouragement have been instrumental in my achievements and well-being throughout my Navy career,” Brajevic said.

The ceremony aboard the USS Midway, a vessel steeped in naval tradition, highlighted the weight of the occasion. Commissioned in 1945 and decommissioned in 1992, USS Midway played a critical role in World War II, the Cold War, and the Vietnam War. The ship’s storied past provided a powerful backdrop as Rear Adm. (ret.) David Malone, guest speaker and Brajevic’s predecessor, praised Brajevic’s character and leadership.

“Frank Brajevic is a craftsman in every sense of the word,” Malone said during his remarks. “Whether it’s mechanical precision, organizational excellence, or dental expertise, he approaches every task with a commitment to perfection. He’s the kind of person who can diagnose a complex automotive issue just by listening to the engine and then fix it with tools he probably built himself.”

Rear Adm. Kevin Brown, commander of Naval Medical Forces Pacific and the presiding officer, echoed this sentiment.

“This ceremony is more than just the promotion to new rank; it’s about recognizing a career of unwavering dedication, exceptional leadership, and selfless service to our nation,” Brown said. “It’s about acknowledging the immense responsibility that comes with the mantel of leadership at the flag level. Your influence and dedication to duty has shaped and strengthened those around you. We celebrate not only this milestone, but the way your leadership will continue to guide and inspire the future of Navy Medicine.”

Brajevic’s promotion is a testament to the Navy’s commitment to developing well-rounded leaders. His journey reflects the core values of honor, courage, and commitment, emphasizing the importance of readiness and service to the nation. He credits mentors along the way, particularly Malone, for helping him develop the strategic thinking skills necessary to succeed at this level.

“Rear Adm. Malone has been influential in helping me develop strategic thinking skills and the confidence needed to succeed at a higher level,” Brajevic said.

Looking ahead, Brajevic is focused on empowering teams and ensuring operational readiness.

“My commitment is to the well-being and readiness of our Sailors, Marines, and their families,” Brajevic said. “By supporting them, we ensure our force remains strong, resilient, and prepared for any challenge. This dedication lies at the core of Navy Medicine’s mission.”

NMFP provides oversight for 10 Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Commands (NMRTC) on the West Coast and Pacific Rim that train, man and equip medical forces, primarily in military treatment facilities. Globally, NMFP oversees eight research laboratories that deliver research expertise in support of warfighter health and readiness. Additionally, NMFP manages the Naval Expeditionary Medicine Warfighter Development Center (NEMWDC), which plays a critical role in preparing medical teams for expeditionary and operational environments.