Memorial Day Guest Speaker – 2009

Rear Admiral Alan B. “Brad” Hicks
Program Director, Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense
Missile Defense Agency

Rear Admiral Alan B. Hicks is the Program Director, Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD), the sea-based element of the Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) under development by the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), and Commander, Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense, a Naval Sea Systems Command Field Activity.

Hicks, a native of Kentucky, graduated from the University of Louisville in 1976 earning a degree in International Studies and Economics and was commissioned through the NROTC. His initial assignment was in USS Schenectady (LST 1185) serving as Navigator and Gunnery Officer. He was then assigned to USS Francis Marion (LPA 249) in 1978 as Navigator and Main Propulsion Assistant. Subsequent sea duty includes tours aboard USS Valdez (FF 1096) and as Operations Officer aboard both USS Caron (DD 970) and USS Kidd (DDG 993). In September 1987, Hicks returned to USS Caron as Executive Officer.

In January 1994, he assumed command of USS Hayler (DD 997). During his tour, Hayler was awarded two Battle Efficiency “E” awards. Hicks also commanded USS Cape St. George (CG 71) from August 1999 to September 2001. During this period, the ship completed a Mediterranean Sea/Indian Ocean deployment as Air Defense Commander of the Eisenhower Battle Group, and particpated in the Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) Operational Evaluation and Battle Operations. The ship was awarded the Battle “E” and was the Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet Battenburg Cup nominee for CY 2000.

His shore and staff duty includes tours as Aide/Administrative Assistant to the Navy Inspector General, Operations Officer of Commander Destroyer Squadron Ten, Flag Secretary to Commander Second Fleet and Operations Officer of Commander Cruiser/Destroyer Group Eight/Eisenhower Battle Group. Additionally, Hicks has served on the Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC) of the Joint Staff and on several occasions with the Chief of Naval Operations staff including tours as the BMC3/Joint C4I Requirements Officer for Theater Air Warfare Directorate and as the Director, for Network Systems/Integration (N766). His first flag assignment was as Deputy Commander, Warfare Systems Engineering (SEA06) to Naval Sea Systems Command. Most recently, Hicks served as Deputy Director for Combat Systems and Weapons in the Surface Warfare Directorate (OPNAV N76F).

Hicks was selected as a Fellow in the 2002-2003 Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Seminar XXI. His decorations and awards include the Legion of Merit (4), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service