Capt. Kertreck Brooks is a native of Mount Pleasant, Texas. He graduated from Saint Louis University in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautics and was the recipient of the distinguished Oliver L. Parks award for outstanding leadership, academic achievement, and service. He graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 2004 with a Master of Science degree in Aeronautics. He was commissioned in 1995 through Officer Candidate School and was designated a Naval Flight Officer upon completion of Joint Specialized Undergraduate Navigator Training in 1997. He was designated a Navy Human Resources Officer in 2008.
His operational assignments include duty with the “Ironmen” of Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 3 flying the E-6B (Mercury), and tours aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) as a catapult and arresting gear officer and USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) as the training officer.
Assignments to shore and staff billets include two tours of duty at the 562nd Flying Training Squadron as an instructor navigator training Navy, Air Force, and international student navigators, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command as the assistant officer in charge of the Manpower and Personnel (N1) Individual Augmentation Cell, U. S. Transportation Command as a division chief in the Manpower and Personnel Directorate (J1), Recruit Training Command (RTC) as executive officer, Navy Personnel Command as deputy director of the distribution management division (PERS-45), and Naval Education and Training Professional Development Center as the 19th commanding officer. Following major command, he served as a Navy Fellow at LinkedIn.
He reported to Naval Service Training Command in August 2020 and served as the director of operations and chief of staff. He assumed command of RTC in June 2022.
He logged over 2,600 flight hours in the T-34C, T-43A, E-6A, and E-6B. He is a certified Professional in Human Resources and a Joint Qualified Officer. His professional military education includes the Aviation Safety Officer Course, Air Command and Staff College, and Joint Forces Staff College.
His personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two awards), Air Force Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, and various unit and service awards.