Brian P. Annichiarico was born in Dobbs Ferry, NY and graduated from Albany State University in 1988 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications. Following graduation, he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant and completed both The Basic School and the Infantry Officer’s Course before proceeding to basic flight training in Pensacola, Fl. Upon his winging in September 1991, 1st Lieutenant Annichiarico reported to the Harrier Fleet Replacement Squadron at Cherry Point, NC for qualification in the AV-8B “Harrier.”
In September of 1992, 1st Lt. Annichiarico reported to VMA-542 where he served as the Logistics Officer, Powerline Officer, Quality Assurance Officer and Schedule Writer in a four year tour. In 1995, Captain Annichiarico deployed with the Tigers to Iwakuni, Japan, as part of the Unit Deployment Program. Upon return from Japan he was ordered to 2d Marine Division for duties as a Forward Air Controller. Subsequently assigned to Division G-3 in Camp Lejeune, NC, he served as the fixed-wing representative in the Operations Department.
In December 1996, Capt. Annichiarico transferred back to Cherry Point, NC, and reported to Marine Attack Squadron 231. While at VMA-231, he served as the Quality Assurance Officer, the Director of Safety and Standardization and the Maintenance Officer. During his time at VMA-231, he deployed with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) and participated in Operation DETERMINED FALCON in Kosovo.
In July 2000, Major Annichiarico transferred to Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, Al., where he graduated from the Air Command and Staff College with a Masters Degree in Military Operational Art and Science. Upon graduation, he was assigned to Headquarters Marine Corps Aviation Plans, Policies, Programs and Budgets as the Joint and External Matters Action Officer.
Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in July of 2004, he transferred again to Cherry Point, NC, and reported to VMA-231 as their executive officer. He served in this capacity for one year prior to being transferred to Marine Aircraft Group-14 as the Commanding Officer for Personnel Support Detachment 14. He served as the CO of PSD-14 until he assumed command of Marine Attack Squadron 231 in January 2007.
As the CO of VMA-231, he deployed the squadron to Al Asad Airbase in Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Upon completion of his command tour, he reported to the Naval War College at Newport, Rhode Island, for duties as a Strategy and Policy Instructor. After completing one year as an instructor, he was selected to attend the College of Naval Warfare Senior Course, also in Newport. While attending the course, he was promoted to his current rank. After completion of the required curriculum, Colonel Annichiarico reported to the Strategic Studies Group in Newport to be a Chief of Naval Operations Fellow. After completion of his fellowship in August 2011, he reported to the Commander, Marine Corps Forces Command in Norfolk, Va., for duty as the head of the Aviation Branch.
Colonel Annichiarico assumed command of Marine Corps Base Hawaii on November 17, 2011.
Colonel Annichiarico’s personal awards include a Bronze Star, a Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal (4th award), a Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and two Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medals.