Rear Adm. Brad J. Collins is a native of Lake Forest, California. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. He is also a graduate of the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, where he earned a Master's Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies.
Following his commissioning in 1992, he completed primary fixed wing training in Corpus Christi, Texas, followed by advanced helicopter training in Milton, Florida. He completed his training at Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 40 (HSL-40) before proceeding to the world famous “Proud Warriors” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 42 (HSL-42) at Naval Air Station Jacksonville.
His operational tours include serving as operations and maintenance officer for HSL-42 detachment while deployed to the Mediterranean Sea, Persian Gulf and Caribbean in support of counter-drug operations. He also deployed to the Mediterranean and Horn of Africa as officer-in-charge of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 48 (HSL-48) Detachment 10, and finished his tour as the squadron’s maintenance officer. Collins returned to HSL-42 as the executive officer in June 2009, and later assumed the title of “Warrior One” as the 22nd “Proud Warrior” commanding officer in August 2010.
His ashore assignments include a tour at Navy Personnel Command as a rating assignment officer; admiral's aide to Commander, Navy Region Southeast; a B-52 nuclear bomber/cruise missile planner at U.S. Strategic Command; and director of test and division chief for war games and exercises at the Missile Defense Agency. Collins’ major command tour was as Commanding Officer, Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Greece. He also served as executive assistant and then chief of staff at Commander, Navy Installations Command.
He most recently served as commander of Navy Region Northwest. He assumed command of Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central in May 2022.
Last Updated: 3 June 2022