CAPT Brendan Terrance Gray

CHIEF OF STAFF, COMMANDER, CARRIER STRIKE GROUP NINE (CCSG9)

01 February 2025 A native of Queens, New York City, CAPT Gray graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in 2002, earning a Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation and a U.S. Coast Guard Third Mate’s License. He was designated a Naval Flight Officer in 2004 and completed fleet replacement training in the EA-6B Prowler in 2005.

CAPT Gray began his operational career with the Shadowhawks of VAQ-141, operating from Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, and deploying aboard USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71), flying combat missions in support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM from 2005 to 2008. In 2009, CAPT Gray reported to the Electronic Attack Weapons School (EAWS) at NAS Whidbey Island, where he graduated as a Prowler Tactics Instructor (PTI) before being hand-selected to transition to the EA-18G and serve as part of the initial EAWS Growler instructor cadre.

In 2013, CAPT Gray returned to VAQ-141, then part of the Forward Deployed Naval Forces at NAF Atsugi, Japan, as a Department Head. He completed four patrols aboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) and USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76) in support of INDOPACOM operations, helping the Shadowhawk team earn back-to-back CNAP Battle “E” Awards.

Following his Department Head tour, CAPT Gray attended the U.S. Naval War College, where he earned Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) Phase I and a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies, graduating with distinction in 2016. He then reported to the NATO Joint Electronic Warfare Core Staff (JEWCS) at RNAS Yeovilton in the United Kingdom. Serving as Air Operations Officer and Senior U.S. National, he was responsible for Electronic Warfare training within the NATO EW Force Integration Program and Operation RAMSTEIN GUARD exercises.

From 2020 to 2022, CAPT Gray was honored to serve once again at EAWS, this time as Executive Officer and Commanding Officer. Following his command tour, he served as Operations Officer aboard USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) across two INDOPACOM deployments, helping the VINSON team earn the 2024 Battle “E” Award. CAPT Gray reported to Commander, Carrier Strike Group NINE as Chief of Staff in February 2025.

CAPT Gray has accumulated over 2,400 flight hours in six aircraft and 434 carrier-arrested landings, including 87 combat missions. His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Strike/Flight Air Medal (three awards), Navy Commendation Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various service awards and ribbons.