SILVERDALE, Wash. –
Chief Electronics Technician (Nuclear) Brett Wiggington commissioned as an officer recently, marking a significant milestone in his Navy career. Just months earlier, he was preparing to leave the naval service, unsure if staying in uniform was the right choice for him and his family.
Originally from Lynnwood, Washington, Wiggington joined the Navy after college when his plans as a pre-med biology major didn’t go as expected.
He went on to serve at the Modifications and Additions to Reactor Facilities (MARF) prototype in New York and aboard the USS New Jersey (SSN-796). While assigned to the pre-commissioning unit, he was temporarily assigned to the USS Alaska (SSBN-732), where he earned his Submarine Warfare Insignia, known as “fish,” and qualified as a watch supervisor. Shortly after reporting to Trident Refit Facility, Bangor, Wiggington was promoted to Chief Petty Officer within his first seven years of naval service.
Additionally, in October 2024, he accomplished a longtime personal goal, earning his Biochemistry degree from Arizona State University.
“I started my degree in 2016, and I knew I wanted to finish before leaving the Navy,” Wiggington said. “I chose biochemistry because I’ve always been interested in both biology and chemistry. What I didn’t realize is that biochemistry combines the most challenging parts of both. I learned that quickly.”
Despite his personal and career success, Wiggington initially planned to separate from the Navy to prioritize family time. While exploring civilian opportunities, a fellow chief told him about the Direct Input Officer (DIO) program, which allows qualified candidates to commission directly as instructors at Nuclear Power School in Charleston, SC. One of the requirements for this program is a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) degree. His biochemistry degree, earned while balancing school and Navy duties, made him a strong candidate.
“When I first heard about the program, I thought it was too good to be true,” he recalled. “I reached out to another chief who became a DIO, and he encouraged me to apply.”
Wiggington was the only active-duty Sailor to apply, in a group of roughly 42 other candidates. He was selected for the program after technical interviews in Washington, D.C., where his operational expertise was recognized as an asset. He will attend Officer Development School in Rhode Island before reporting to Charleston to teach, a role he sees as a way to continue serving while providing stability for his family.
“I love the Navy,” Wiggington said. “This program lets me be with my kids and do something I enjoy. It’s the best of all worlds for me and my family.”
Wiggington hopes his experience encourages other Sailors to explore the many career paths available in the Navy. He emphasizes that proactive research and asking questions are key to finding the right fit.
He recommends resources like Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV) Instruction 1420.1B, which outlines enlisted-to-officer commissioning programs, and urges Sailors to connect with officer recruiters who can guide them through the application process.
“There are so many programs out there that people just don’t know about,” said Wiggington. “If you love the Navy but your current job isn’t the right fit, talk to leadership, read the instructions, and check out online groups where Sailors share their experiences. There’s probably another way to serve that works better for you, you just have to look for it.”