When Captain Johnny Nilsen, pictured above 2nd from left, retired from the U.S. Navy after 29 years, he didn’t step away from service—he just changed uniforms. Now in his third season as Military Affairs Advisor for the San Diego Padres, Nilsen channels his decades of military leadership into one of Major League Baseball’s most ambitious and authentic military outreach programs. A lifelong baseball fan raised in a sports-obsessed family, Nilsen’s journey from Navy JAG to the Padres front office is a testament to how veterans can thrive in unexpected arenas.
As the fourth retired Naval Officer to hold the role, Nilsen brings more than ceremonial flair to PETCO Park’s Sunday salutes. He brings operational knowledge, deep-rooted military relationships and a clear understanding of purpose—something many veterans seek after leaving uniformed service. “The stamina, routines and mission focus I developed in the Navy have served me well,” Nilsen says. “A 162-game season is a long haul, just like a deployment. Planning, coordination and execution—these skills are transferable.”
That operational mindset powers much of what Nilsen does behind the scenes, especially in fostering the Padres’ deep connections with the armed forces. The Padres are the only professional sports franchise to don camouflage uniforms and honor the military at every Sunday home game. It’s more than symbolism. It’s about access, trust and commitment—three values that Nilsen spent a career mastering. “The Padres are genuine in their support,” he emphasizes. “And they need someone who truly speaks the military’s language.”
Members of the military and their spouses attend the San Diego Padres Military Baby Shower at Petco Park in San Diego, California Thursday, May 1, 2025. (Photo by Armond Feffer/San Diego Padres)
But the work goes far beyond the stadium. Through the Padres Foundation, Nilsen helps lead year-round efforts that include morale visits to bases, outreach to homeless veterans, military family baby showers, youth clinics for military children, scholarships and more. One of the most meaningful projects he’s been part of recently is the Peter Seidler Legacy Project, which built a Padres-themed wiffle ball field and expanded classrooms with support from Padres pitcher Joe Musgrove. “It’s about creating joy, connection and opportunity for military families,” Nilsen says.
For veterans looking to transition into the sports world, Nilsen offers practical advice: be flexible and willing to start at the bottom. “Your military background has prepared you to be reliable, adaptable and team-oriented,” he says. “Once you earn trust, opportunities grow.”
He also understands the challenges many veterans face in finding renewed purpose. His advice is to find a mission, whether through work or volunteerism. “We’re used to serving something larger than ourselves,” he says. “If it wasn’t baseball, I’d be teaching leadership or working with a nonprofit.”
For Nilsen, working in sports isn’t just about baseball—it’s about building a community that reflects the values of service, sacrifice and resilience. Much like life aboard an aircraft carrier, it’s the unseen crew that keeps everything running. “The ballpark is just like the flight deck,” he says. “It takes a team of thousands to make that first pitch happen. And just like the military, when the time comes, you’ve got to be ready.”
Nilsen proves that veterans don’t leave leadership behind—they bring it with them, wherever they go.
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