Commander Brien W. Dickson joined the Navy in July, 1989 following high school graduation from Casper, Wyoming. He graduated with distinction from the United States Naval Academy in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering.

After basic submarine and nuclear training, his first assignment was on board the USS KAMEHAMEHA (SSN 642), where he served as the Communicator, Reactor Controls Assistant, Chemistry / Radiological Controls Assistance, and Damage Control Assistant. The ship conducted deployments to the Western Pacific supporting various Naval Special Warfare Missions as the Pacific's only Dual Dry Dock capable ship. In August 2997, he reported to the University of Nebraska NROTC Unit as Assistant Professor of Naval Science, where he earned a Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Following advanced submarine officer training, he reported to the USS OHIO (SSBN 726)(Blue) as the Strategic Weapons Officer. He completed three patrols including the last C-4 Follow-on CINC Evaluation Test before entering Puget Sound Naval Shipyard for the ship's conversion to become the first SSGN.

Commander Dickson worked as a Submarine Ballistic Missile Planner assigned to the United States Strategic Command from January 2004 until December 2005. During his most recent at-sea assignment, he served as the USS LA JOLLA (SSN 701) Executive Officer and deployed to the Western Pacific in 2006. His last assignment was as the Operations Officer on the staff of Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Commander Dickson is authorized to wear the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal (five awards), and the Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards). He is married to the former Melody Leigh Nielsen of Lincoln, Nebraska and they have two sons.