Brad Conners '78

  • U.S. Navy Captain Brad "Brick" Conners, who graduated from Rush-Henrietta in 1978, leads Naval Base Ventura County, one of the world’s largest naval bases.

    A Top Gun F/A-18 pilot and decorated veteran, Brad spent four years of his career at sea. He has performed 4,500 flight hours and 950 carrier landings in the most demanding aviation conditions known to man. He served as a key air campaign planner for Operation Iraqi Freedom and flew initial combat missions in Iraq. Brad’s friends see him as a future Secretary of the Navy. Brad is responsible for leading more than 17,000 military and civilian personnel at his naval base, which is located on the Pacific Ocean in California. He and his team have a reputation as effective and innovative stewards of 20,000 acres of environmentally sensitive beach, lagoon, and wetlands.

    Brad serves on the American Red Cross Board of Directors, and speaks publicly to raise awareness of the U.S. Navy and engage the community about economic and environmental challenges. He has helped raise millions of dollars for charity. He occasionally can be found playing guitar in a local band to support a good cause.

    Brad credits his Upstate New York roots and his academic and athletic foundation at Rush-Henrietta as key influences in his life. He and his wife, Terrie, have four children. He plans to retire from the U.S. Navy in February 2009.

    We congratulate U.S. Navy Captain Brad "Brick" Conners on his induction into the Rush-Henrietta Alumni Council Hall of Fame.
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