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COLONIE—Cmdr. Brian Fazzone, a decorated officer with more than 30 years of in the military, government and private sector which has led to advancements for the U.S. Department of Defense, foreign allies and our national border security, is the latest inductee in the Colonie Central High School Hall of Fame.
After graduating in 1978, Fazzone earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from Widener University and a master’s 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 projects include 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 and 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 two 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.
Since 1994, more than 60 graduates have been inducted into the CCHS Hall of Fame representing a variety of high school classes and accomplishments.