ET1 Brian A. Moss, USN

The night before American Airlines Flight 77 rammed into the Pentagon, Navy Electronics Technician 2nd Class Brian Anthony Moss called his mother in the tiny town of Sperry, Oklahoma to brag about his new job. After months of waiting, Brian was finally selected to work for the Chief of Naval Operations at a fancy Pentagon office on the building’s west side – now a nightmare of rubble. 

Brian’s life has been one of drive and devotion. He enlisted in the Navy in March 1990 and by fall was stationed in Adak, Alaska, where he met his future wife, Mary Lou. Together they have two children, Ashten, 7, and Connor, 5. 
“I have integrity and make sure I live by Navy core values. You can’t talk the talk if you don’t walk the walk,” Brian told Sea Services Weekly in February. “You can’t be successful at something you are forced to do.” 

As is always the case with Brian, he walked the walk. For the past three years, Brian had been stationed at the United States Navy Ceremonial Guard, primarily assigned to train the young Guardsmen to represent the Navy to the world. He performed in countless ceremonies to include the 54th Presidential Inauguration and laid fellow shipmates from the U.S.S. Cole (DDG 67) to rest at Arlington. This year, he was thrilled to be transferred to the CNO’s office at the Pentagon. 

In January, he was selected to represent Naval District Washington as Sailor of the Year for 2000 – an honor almost unheard of for a 2nd Class Petty Officer – demonstrating his ability as a 1st Class Petty Officer. Recently he told his family that he hoped to be promoted to 1st Class this fall. Brian took the Fall 2001 Navy Advancement exam one week prior to the attack on the Pentagon. His hopes were answered when the results were determined. He can now rest as an Electronics Technician 1st Class Petty Officer. 

“If it had to happen, I was glad it happened when I was here,” Mary Lou said, crying despite her attempts at control. “Nobody other than military knows the tightness of the military community. I’ve had more support than anyone could imagine…. This whole community grieves.” 

“If he had to die, this is the way he would have wanted to go: serving his country.” 

It is without a doubt that Brian Moss defined the Navy. He was the embodiment of honor, courage and commitment. It was his commitment to excellence that set him apart from others. In every sense, Brian Moss was the “Sailor’s Sailor.” Fair Winds Brian…