CDR Brian P. Sparks

Past Commanding Officer, USS Santa Barbara (LCS 32)

16 November 2022 Commander Sparks is a native of Valdosta, Georgia. He received his commission in the U.S. Navy via the United States Naval Academy in 2002.  While there, he completed a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering.  He also holds a Master of Aeronautical Science degree from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and a Master of Strategy and Warfare from the Naval War College.

Sparks service selected Naval Flight Officer to begin his career at VT-10 and VT-86 in Pensacola, FL.  During a Reduction in Force, he was processed out in 2004.  He joined the Navy Reserve as a SELRES out of Saufley Field in Pensacola, FL.  In November 2004 he received orders to return to duty as an Full Time Support Surface Warfare Officer.  
Sparks’ afloat tours of duty include Second Division Officer Deck and Main Propulsion Division Officer in USS Ponce (LPD 15); Operations Officer, Navigator, Training Officer and NC-VBSS Boarding Officer in Patrol Coastal Crew LIMA; Chief Engineer in USS DeWert (FFG 45); Executive Officer and Chief Engineer in USS Vicksburg (CG 69); and Executive Officer in USS Princeton (CG 59). 

Ashore, Sparks held positions as Commanding Officer, Navy Operational Support Center Lehigh Valley in Allentown, PA and Deputy Operational Support Officer at Commander, U.S. THIRD Fleet. His most recent assignment was as a student at the Naval War College. 

His personal awards and decorations include Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3 awards) and Navy, Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2 awards) and various unit and campaign decorations. 

Sparks assumed command of SANTA BARBARA in July 2022 and will sail away from Mobile, AL in late 2022.