Major Carey (Ret) was born in Ionia, Michigan April 24, 1974. He attended Marburn Academy the second part of his eighth-grade year, and all of his freshman year. He graduated from Westerville North High School in 1992. After a year of college at Bowling Green State University, he enlisted in the Marine Corps, attending Recruit Training at Paris Island in November 1993. Private First Class Carey attended the School of Infantry at Camp Geiger and graduated in May of 1994. Upon completion, he reported to Lima Co., 3/25 in Columbus, Ohio. During his six years there, he obtained the rank of Corporal, and attended the Ohio State University, graduating in December of 1999, earning his Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management.
Corporal Carey entered Officer’s Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia, on June 9, 1998, and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the USMCR on December 10, 1999. Second Lieutenant Carey graduated B Co., The Basic School and proceeded to the Aviation Preflight Indoctrination Course, completing in September of 2000. He then participated in an Air Force exchange program and attended Primary Flight Training at Vance Air Force Base, flying T-37’s. At the completion of Primary, Second Lieutenant Carey entered Helicopter training with Heltraron (HT) 8 at Whiting Field, flying TH-57B/C’s. While there, Second Lieutenant Carey was recognized for superior performance and placed on the Commodore’s List. First Lieutenant Carey selected AH-1W’s west coast and entered Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron (HMT) 303 at Camp Pendleton, California. He completed training, and reported to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 267 in July of 2002.
First Lieutenant Carey was initially assigned as a S-4 Officer, and deployed with the squadron in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in January of 2003. After a short period of time, HMLA-267 deployed again in June of 2003 to Okinawa, Japan. Carey was assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 265 (REIN) and the 31st MEU.
In July of 2004, Captain Carey was assigned to IMEF and deployed as the Rescue Center Coordinator, and Rotary Wing Frag Officer. While there, he coordinated the successful recovery of three downed aircraft, two of which happened within minutes of each other during the Battle of Fallujah. He also flew as an augment with HMLA-169. Upon completion of his tour, Captain Carey rejoined HMAL-267. Captain Carey deployed again to Okinawa in support to the 31st MEU and HMM-265 (REIN) serving as the MEU’s Ordinance Officer. After completion of his deployment Captain Carey returned to HMLA-267.
During his time as an AH-1W Pilot, Captain Carey obtained the qualifications of Night Systems Instructor, Forward Air Controller Airborne, Section Leader, Functional Check Pilot Evaluator, and Instrument Flight Board Member.
At the completion of his tour with HMLA-267 in July 2007, Captain Carey was assigned to Training Squadron (VT) 27. While there, Major Carey was assigned as the Senior Marine and flew over 1100 hours. By the completion of his tour, he was serving as an Instructor Training Unit Instructor Pilot.
In August of 2010, Major Carey was assigned to Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 39 as the S-5 OIC. In October of 2011, Major Carey was assigned to IMEF C-10 and commenced Advisor training. In March of 2012, Major Carey deployed to Lashkar Gah, Helmand Province, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He served as an advisor team deputy with the Afghanistan National Civil Order Police and the Afghan Uniformed Police.
Upon completion his year deployment, Major Carey was assigned as an Instructor Pilot with HMLAT-303 where he served as the DOSS OIC and S-4 OIC. During his time there, Major Carey flew over 288 hours, giving him over 1000 hours in the AH-1W.
Upon completion of his assignment, Major Carey reported to MATSG-22 at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi where he retired from the Marine Corps as the TRW-4 Senior Marine, followed shortly there after as VT-35 Department Head of Student Control.
Major Carey’s decorations include three Air Medals, two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, and two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals.
Brian Carey now resides on Bainbridge Island, Washington, and works as a First Officer for United Airlines, flying Airbus 319’s and 320’s. He has been happily married to the former Lori Clayborn of Niles, Michigan since May 2001.