Wilson Brown commanded the Lexington-centered Task Force 11, then moved to the amphibious forces as ill health restricted his operational service. Ernest King supported his continued employment after the unsuccessful approach to Rabaul. Brown took command of the First Naval District in July 1942 and became Roosevelt's naval aide in February 1943. His presidential service included Calvin Coolidge and Herbert Hoover as well as Roosevelt and Harry Truman. He had also commanded the New London submarine base, served as chief of staff at the Naval War College, and been superintendent of the Naval Academy. Those appointments help explain his senior standing beyond the carrier raids.
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Wilson Brown's command career and presidential service
Wilson Brown combined carrier and amphibious commands with service as naval aide to four presidents, but ill health shortened his Pacific operations.