Brendan Looney was born on February 24, 1981, in Silver Spring, Maryland. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on July 22, 1999, and attended the U.S. Naval Academy Prep School at Naval Station Newport, Rhode, Island, until his discharge to enter the U.S. Naval Academy on May 20, 2000. Looney was commissioned an Ensign in the U.S. Navy in May 2004, and was trained as an Intelligence Officer. His first assignment was as an Intelligence Officer with the U.S. Naval Forces Korea Detachment Chinhae in South Korea from April 2005 to May 2006. LtJg Looney attended Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training at NAB Coronado, California, from March to October 2007, and SEAL Qualification Training from October 2007 to June 2008. His next assignment was as Tactical Operations Center Director and Alfa Platoon Assistant Platoon Commander and Squad Commander with SEAL Team THREE at NAB Coronado from July 2008 until he was killed in the crash of a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter while deployed to Afghanistan on September 21, 2010. During his time in Naval Intelligence and with the SEAL Teams, LT Looney deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan multiple times. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

His Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal Citation reads:

For meritorious service while serving as SEAL Team THREE tactical operations center director and Alfa Platoon assistant platoon commander and squad commander from 23 July 2008 to 21 September 2010. Lieutenant Looney flawlessly led five personnel in the handling, tracking, and recording of over 100 missions at Special Operations Task Force-West in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Additionally, he expertly commanded an eight man SEAL squad during an arduous 12 month inter deployment training cycle in preparation for a challenging deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom - Afghanistan. By his unswerving determination, wise judgment, and complete dedication to duty, Lieutenant Looney reflected credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.