Lieutenant Commander Brian P. Sparks Executive Officer
LCDR Sparks is a native of Valdosta, Georgia. He entered the U.S. Navy via the United States Naval Academy in 1998. While there, he completed a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering and selected Naval Flight Officer to begin his career in 2002.
After graduation, Brian was wed to Miss Elizabeth Ansley Barrett of Valdosta, GA. They continued to Pensacola, FL where Brian attended Aviation Preflight Indoctrination. On completion of API, he was assigned to VT-10 at Sherman Field for Primary Flight Training and Intermediate Flight Training, followed by VT-86 for Advanced Strike/Fighter Training.
Brian was selected for separation in a reduction in force in November 2003 and was sent to be the VT-10 Schedules Officer while awaiting discharge. He was discharged from the Navy on 15 June 2004.
He immediately joined the Naval Reserve, drilling out of Saufley Field in Pensacola, FL, and applied for selection as a SWO FTS. On 14 November 2004, he received approval for selection and orders to report to USS PONCE (LPD 15) out of Norfolk, VA in January 2005.
In January 2005, he reported in PONCE and was assigned a position as Second Division Deck Officer. He deployed to FIFTH Fleet from March to September 2005 as part of KEARSARGE ESG. After achieving his Surface Warfare Officer qualification, he shifted jobs to become Main Propulsion Division Officer in January 2006.
In April 2007, he became Operations Officer in Patrol Coastal Crew LIMA with collateral duties as Navigator, Training Officer, and NC-VBSS Boarding Officer. In August 2007, he deployed to FIFTH Fleet on USS SIROCCO (PC 6) and on return, extended his sea tour in PC Crew LIMA by an extra year. In November of 2008, he deployed on USS TYPHOON (PC 5) to FIFTH Fleet.
In October 2009, he started Department Head School in Class 206 from which he graduated as an Honor Graduate prior to reporting to USS DE WERT (FFG 45) as Chief Engineer in May 2010. While in DE WERT, he deployed to the Horn of Africa in July 2011.
In October 2011, he attended CHENG school in SWOS and completed his Master of Aeronautical Science degree from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. He then attended AEGIS CSO Track III from which he graduated with Honors, and arrived at USS VICKSBURG (CG 69) as Chief Engineer in March 2012 and deployed to FIFTH Fleet with the ENTERPRISE CSG. In January 2013, he was made Executive Officer in VICKSBURG.
His personal awards and decorations include a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2 awards).