A disk drive includes a base, a disk rotatably coupled to the base, and a rotary actuator coupled to the base adjacent the disk. The rotary actuator is configured to pivot about an axis of rotation, and includes a coil. The disk drive further includes a magnetic element support coupled to the base. The magnetic element support includes first and second plate sections cooperatively formed to receive the coil. The magnetic element support includes a first transition section formed between the plate sections for forming a first magnetic flux path. The first transition section disposed angularly lateral with respect to the coil and the axis of rotation. The magnetic element support includes a second transition section formed between the plate sections for forming a second magnetic flux path. The second transition section being disposed radially beyond the coil with respect to the axis of rotation.