Colonel Brian Hughes is a native of Jacksonville, IL, raised a “military brat” and was commissioned out of the U.S. Naval Academy in 1992. After attending the Logistics Officers Course he reported for duty with 1st Battalion, 7th Marines and conducted two deployments to Okinawa, Japan supporting multiple bilateral training exercises throughout the Pacific. He was promoted to Captain in 1996.
In 1998, Colonel Hughes reported to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) at Camp Pendleton, California. He completed two Pacific Command / Central Command deployments supporting Theater Security Cooperation events and humanitarian assistance operations in East Timor.
From 2001 to 2004, Colonel Hughes served as a Maritime Prepositioning Force instructor, USMC Logistics Department Head, and Expeditionary Logistics Deputy Department Head at Expeditionary Warfare Training Group Pacific. He was promoted to Major in 2001.
Colonel Hughes transferred to 1st Marine Logistics Group in 2004. As the Operations Officer for Combat Service Support Battalion - 1 he deployed to Camp Fallujah where his battalion provided direct support to RCT-1 during Operation AL FAJR and subsequent Iraqi elections, and provided general support to I MEF forces in eastern Al Anbar. Colonel Hughes was subsequently selected to serve as Marine Expeditionary Unit Service Support Group 11 (MSSG-11) Executive Officer.
In September 2005, MSSG-11 deployed personnel and equipment in support of Joint Task Force KATRINA. MSSG-11 operated with multiple Marine, Army, Navy, and National Guard units, as well as civil authorities to clear debris, restore municipal services, and help residents report claims. During a subsequent deployment in the Pacific, MSSG-11 supported multiple exercises and served as the CENTCOM Theater Reserve.
In 2007, Colonel Hughes served as a Global Force Management action officer within Current Operations, Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies and Operations, Headquarters Marine Corps. He was promoted to LtCol in November 2007.
In 2008, Colonel Hughes assumed command of Logistics Operations School, Camp Lejeune, NC where he oversaw logistics occupational skill training supporting an increase in the Corps' end strength to 202K.
From 2010 to 2011 Colonel Hughes attended the Naval War College in Newport, RI and received his Master's Degree in Strategic and International Studies. In order to get "back to the Fleet," he then took orders to 3d Marine Division, the "Caltrap" Division, Okinawa, Japan.
From 2011 to 2015, Colonel Hughes served with 3d Marine Division as Inspector General and as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Logistics. Colonel Hughes was promoted to his current rank in March 2015.