Commander Fazzone New CCHS Hall of Fame Inductee For 2018

Congratulations to Commander Brian A. Fazzone (Class of 1978), the latest inductee into the Colonie Central High School Hall of Fame for 2018. Since 1994, more than 60 graduates have been honored in the CCHS Hall of Fame, with their plaques on display in the school. The inductees represent a variety of high school classes and accomplishments. 

The purpose of the Hall of Fame is to identify role models for CCHS students and to illustrate to them that South Colonie Schools provide the educational foundation necessary to build a successful life. 

portrait of a man in a suit in front of an American flag
Brian Fazzone Official Portrait

Commander Brian A. Fazzone

Commander Brian A. Fazzone is a highly decorated officer whose more than 30 years of success in the military, government and private sector have led to major advancements for the U.S. Department of Defense, foreign allies, and national border security.

After graduating from CCHS, Fazzone earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Widener University and a master’s degree in Administration from Central Michigan University. He became a naval aviator in 1982, earning his wings in the U.S. Marine Corps. He transferred to the U.S. Navy in 1989 and retired from active duty in 2006. During his military career he was deployed throughout the world, serving in both Desert Storm and the Bosnian Conflict. He was also an advisor to the Philippine Air Force and aerospace industry in support of counter-terror operations in the southern Philippines.

In addition to his flying duties, which included logging more than 2,000 flight hours in seven different aircraft, Fazzone charted a parallel career as an acquisitions professional. In this role he worked extensively in C41 aircraft engineering sustainment, and international aerospace, manufacturing and technology related programs. Major project included implementation of the Pacific Fleet and command, managing Japanese defense contracts, modernizing naval station port facilities, and working on the International Space Station.

From 2008 until today, he has worked as Program Manager for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security, Air & Marine Operations. He is responsible for directing unmanned aircraft systems acquisitions. The Office of Air and Marine is the world’s largest aviation and maritime law enforcement organization with more than 1,200 federal agents, operating from 80 air and marine locations, with more than 269 aircraft of 22 different types, and 297 marine vessels. The mission of the Office of Air and Marine is to protect the American people and the nation’s critical infrastructure through the coordinated use of integrated air and marine forces. These forces are used to detect and prevent acts of terrorism and the unlawful movement of people, illegal drugs toward or across U.S. borders.

Fazzone holds numerous military decorations including a Defense Meritorious Service Medal and three Meritorious Service Medals, three Navy and Marine Commendation Medals, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and various campaign, unit and service awards. He has also donated his time over the years to various charitable organizations, working throughout Europe and Japan to help orphaned and disadvantaged children.