CDR Brad Foster

Commanding Officer, USS Columbia

A native of Memphis, TN, Commander Foster graduated from Texas A&M University with bachelor’s degrees in Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Health Engineering. He holds a master’s degree in Operations Research from Naval Postgraduate School.

At sea, he completed a Western Pacific deployment as Division Officer on USS COLUMBIA (SSN 771), a Central Command deployment as Engineer Officer on USS PROVIDENCE (SSN 719), and a Western Pacific deployment while forward deployed in Guam as Executive Officer on USS KEY WEST (SSN 722).

His shore assignments include Flag Aide to the Vice Commander of Naval Mine and Antisubmarine Warfare Command, Squadron Engineer of Submarine Squadron 12, and Doctrine Officer in the Concept Development and Integration Division of United States Special Operations Command J5. Following completion of his joint tour, he was designated as a Joint Qualified Officer.

His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (five awards), and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards). He was a member of outstanding teams that earned two Battle Efficiency “E” awards and two Meritorious Unit Commendations.