David H. Buss"The Hook – Journal of Carrier Aviation" Tailhook Association. Vol.40, Number 3. Published Fall 2012. (born February 18, 1956) is a native of Lancaster, Pennsylvania and a retired vice admiral of the United States Navy. His last assignment was as Commander, Naval Air Forces and Commander, Naval Air Force, Pacific in San Diego, California, a position also known as the Navy's "Air Boss."The U.S. Navy's Newest Aircraft Carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), 2015-05-31. Prior to taking command as the "Air Boss," Buss served as the Deputy Commander, United States Fleet Forces Command in Norfolk, Virginia. He also commanded Task Force 20 (formerly United States Second Fleet), where he was responsible for training and certifying all Atlantic Fleet naval forces for overseas deployment. A career Naval Flight Officer, Buss served in multiple jet squadrons and staff assignments, and has commanded at every level of the navy from commander to vice admiral.
Buss was succeeded as Commander, Naval Air Forces and Commander, Naval Air Force Pacific by Vice Admiral Mike Shoemaker in January 2015.
Educational background United States Naval Academy, 1978, Bachelor of Science (Physics) United States Navy Nuclear Propulsion training, 1997 University of North Carolina, Kenan-Flagler Business School, 2007 (Exec. Ed)
Previous assignments Buss commanded the A-6 Intruder squadron, Attack Squadron 34 (1995–96); the fast combat support ship (2000–01); the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier (2003–06); and Carrier Strike Group 12, the USS Enterprise Carrier Strike Group (2009–10).
Buss also served in Baghdad, Iraq (2008–09) as Director, Strategy/Plans/Assessments (J-5) for Multi-National Force Iraq (MNF-I) where he oversaw the planning effort for the initial troop draw down from the height of the 2007–08 surge.
Awards and decorations Buss is authorized to wear the following: Badges Naval Flight Officer insignia
U.S. military decorationsNavy Distinguished Service Medal with a gold award starLegion of Merit with 4 gold award starsDistinguished Flying Cross with Combat VBronze Star MedalDefense Meritorious Service MedalMeritorious Service Medal with a gold award star Air Medal with Combat V, 3 individual gold stars and Strike/Flight numerals "4"Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat V and four gold award starsNavy and Marine Corps Achievement MedalNavy Unit Commendation with a bronze service starNavy Meritorious Unit Commendation Navy "E" Ribbon (awarded three times)Navy Expeditionary MedalNational Defense Service Medal with a bronze service starArmed Forces Expeditionary MedalSouthwest Asia Service Medal with two bronze service starsIraq Campaign Medal with a bronze star Global War on Terrorism Service MedalArmed Forces Service MedalSea Service Ribbon with six bronze service starsNon-U.S. service medalsNATO MedalForeign military decorationsKuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia)Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait)
References
External links
Profile from United States Navy website