Bradley Alan Foster

On August 31st, 2021 United States Navy Lieutenant Brad Alan Foster sustained fatal injuries due to a helicopter crash off the coast of San Diego, California.

Brad was born in Visalia, California. He was raised in Oakhurst, California alongside his younger brother Jeff by his mother, Dwan Foster and father Ron Foster. As a child, Foster loved playing outdoors and visiting Yosemite National Park. He thoroughly enjoyed overcoming challenges and figuring out obstacles on his own. He also loved working on cars, hiking, and working on projects such as building things like decks and ponds, pretty much anything that gave him a challenge.

In 2009, Brad graduated from Yosemite High School and also achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank a Boy Scout is able to attain. Brad excelled in athletics during high school, particularly water polo and swimming. Throughout high school and some of college, Brad found work at the Sears Home Store in Oakhurst, which his parents owned. Right before he entered college, Brad met his wife, Beth, and they were married shortly after graduation in 2015. Brad graduated Suma Cum Laude from the California Maritime Academy with a bachelor’s in Global Studies and maritime affairs in 2015.

Brad believed it was his duty to serve in the military. He was greatly influenced to join the military from his father who was in the AirForce. Brad always dreamed of flying and accepted a pilot position in the Navy in 2015. Throughout Brad’s Naval career he underwent air and combat training and was later given the National Defense Service Medal. He was also a Helicopter Aircraft Commander, a Functional Check Pilot, a Unit NATOPS Instructor, a Fully qualified level III pilot, an instructor pilot, a Senior Junior Officer, and had back to back deployments in 2020 and 2021 while being a member of the first aircraft carrier to successfully fight off COVID 19. His main goal in the military was to be the best pilot and leader he can be while also being the best possible husband and father to his wife and daughter.

Brad is most remembered as a proud husband and father because of the beautiful relationships he had with his wife and daughter. He was larger than life and lit up the entire room around him. He faced every challenge with the utmost courage and determination. Brad had a heart of gold, and genuinely cared and loved for all of the people around him.

U.S. Navy Lieutenant Brad Alan Foster is survived by his wife, Beth, and their daughter, Audrey.