Braine served in the U.S. Navy prior to the Civil War. In 1861, he commanded U.S.S. Monticello. His ship became engaged with the rebel battery at Sewell's Point, in the first naval conflict of the war. He also took part in the attack and capture of Forts Hatteras and Clarke and engaged the enemy at Kimmekerk Woods above Cape Hatteras. He continued his service in the U.S. Navy after the end of the war.
