BRIAN F. HUSSEY, JR., CAPT, USMC

Brian Hussey, Jr. '91

Date of birth: June 29, 1969

Date of death: August 23, 1996

Age: 27

Lucky Bag

From the 1991 Lucky Bag:

Brian Francis Hussey III

Long Valley, New Jersey

No one really knows from where Brian entered USNA, but sources have narrowed it down to RI, CA, or NJ. After spending his plebe year in Fighting 14, "Hussa" settled down in Big 2 for the last 3 years of his reign. 3/c brought Brian a most difficult leadership challenge; class company commander. Even with all of his work, Huss still spent quality time with his roommates- every 5th period to be exact. Brian came in like a lamb, but he left like a lion. He began this transformation during 2/c year, where he could be found either shining his boots, getting his hair cut, or practicing grunting from the diaphragm. 2/c year also included innovative training techniques, sports trivia, powerball tourneys, and of course, the Ring Dance with his "one and only." After taming Bulldog 1/c summer, Brian was ready for a real challenge. This journey included 4 stripes, a Trident project, and only 5 hours of class. This time Bri's versatility was displayed for all to see. Something else which sets Huss apart is his loyalty. What other reason can there be for following both the Patriots and the Red Sox? Brian is a true friend in every way, and I will never forget him. The Corps is getting one of the best in Brian, I'm glad to see he is being rewarded for his hard work. Good Luck in everything; you have definitely left your mark. —RJR

Brian Francis Hussey III

Long Valley, New Jersey

No one really knows from where Brian entered USNA, but sources have narrowed it down to RI, CA, or NJ. After spending his plebe year in Fighting 14, "Hussa" settled down in Big 2 for the last 3 years of his reign. 3/c brought Brian a most difficult leadership challenge; class company commander. Even with all of his work, Huss still spent quality time with his roommates- every 5th period to be exact. Brian came in like a lamb, but he left like a lion. He began this transformation during 2/c year, where he could be found either shining his boots, getting his hair cut, or practicing grunting from the diaphragm. 2/c year also included innovative training techniques, sports trivia, powerball tourneys, and of course, the Ring Dance with his "one and only." After taming Bulldog 1/c summer, Brian was ready for a real challenge. This journey included 4 stripes, a Trident project, and only 5 hours of class. This time Bri's versatility was displayed for all to see. Something else which sets Huss apart is his loyalty. What other reason can there be for following both the Patriots and the Red Sox? Brian is a true friend in every way, and I will never forget him. The Corps is getting one of the best in Brian, I'm glad to see he is being rewarded for his hard work. Good Luck in everything; you have definitely left your mark. —RJR

Loss

Brian was lost on August 23, 1996 when his EA-6B Prowler crashed during a training mission at Yuma, Arizona.

Other Information

From the January-February 1997 issue of Shipmate, via USNA '91:

Captain Brian F. Hussey, Jr., USMC, age 27, died in a training accident in Yuma, AZ, on 23 August 1996.
Brian was born on 29 June 1969 in Providence, RI. After living in several areas of the country while growing up, he finished high school in San Ramon, CA in 1987. He was in 2nd Company at the Naval Academy, where he consistently stood out in all areas. He truly embodied the mission of the Naval Academy, as he stood out "morally, mentally, and physically." Even as he found his passion in the History Department, he never let other areas of focus suffer. He regularly attended Mass (he always noted exactly how long it took), and was perpetually in peak physical shape, making the rest of us pale by comparison. As we approached our First Class Year, and most of us just wanted to get to the big day, Brian took on two huge tasks. He was a Trident scholar and the Brigade Training Officer. Even though everyone gave him the required grief for being a "striper," deep down, everyone that knew Brian admired him and looked for him to take the lead.
After graduation, Brian met the love of his life, Susan, and they were married in June of 1993. Brian took his commitment to excellence into the Marine Corps. He was near the top of his class at The Basic School, and displayed his unique, solid leadership style for all the other Marines to admire. He excelled in NFO flight school and earned his wings of gold on 18 February 1994. He lead the pack again at the Electronic Warfare School at Corry Station, Pensacola by graduating at the top of his class. After a year of training at the EA-6B FRS in Whidbey Island, WA, he checked into VMAQ-1, MCAS Cherry Point, NC.
After three months to get settled, he was off on a six month deployment to Aviano, Italy to participate in Operation Deny Flight over Bosnia. Brian's awards include the National Defense Medal, the NATO Medal, the Air Medal (3rd Award), the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and the Armed Forces Service Medal.
Brian was not only an outstanding officer, but a true friend. His presence is sorely missed and he will not be forgotten. He was very proud of being a member of the Brigade of Midshipmen and the United States Marine Corps.
Brian is survived by his wife Susan, of Newport, NC: his parents Brian and Kathy, of Saunderstown, RI; sister Erin Morgan, of Jamestown, RI. He was also very close to his in-laws, John and Chris Wisniewski; and sister-in-law Stephanie House, all of Westminster, MD.
Semper Fidelis, Brian!
W.L. Campbell, Jr., January-February 1997

From researcher Kathy Franz: "As a junior at California High School, Brian was on the track team and was a member of the Adventure Club."

Brian is buried in Maryland.