Secretary Del Toro Awards Posthumous Promotion

19 October 2022

WASHINGTON – Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro posthumously promoted Cmdr. Brian Bourgeois, commanding officer, SEAL Team 8, to the rank of Captain earlier this month.

Capt. Bourgeois died Dec. 7, 2021 after sustaining injuries while participating in a routine training event in Virginia Beach, Va.

“By all accounts, Brian was an exemplary leader and teammate. His death was an immense loss for the men and women of SEAL Team EIGHT and the Navy,” said Del Toro. “This promotion is a testament to his outstanding record of operational assignments, his character and dedication to service of our Navy.”

Following his graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2001, Capt. Bourgeois joined the Naval Special Warfare community where he deployed in support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM, ODYSSEY DAWN, and ENDURING FREEDOM – earning the Bronze Star Medal with Valor. He also received the Pat Tillman Leadership Award while earning a Master of Science degree in Defense Analysis from the Naval Postgraduate School.

Title 10, United States Code, Section 1563a provides authority for the Secretary of Defense (SECDEF) to make an honorary promotion (whether or not posthumous) to any grade not exceeding O-8. SECDEF has delegated authority to the Secretaries of the Military Departments to make honorary promotions to the grades of O-1 to O-6.

“The loss of Brian is still felt throughout the Naval Special Warfare community,” said Rear Adm. Keith Davids, commander, Naval Special Warfare Command. “His promotion to captain is an absolute testament to his character, competence, and leadership. Brian was one of our very best leaders, who possessed all the attributes that make our force effective. He led by example, was a terrific teammate, and a committed father, husband, and friend.”

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