David Buss (United States Navy)

David H. Buss (b. 18 Feb 1956) is a native of Lancaster, Pennsylvania and holds the rank of Vice Admiral in the United States Navy. He is currently assigned 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." 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 U.S. 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.

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/tours
Buss commanded the A-6 Intruder squadron, Attack Squadron 34 (U.S. Navy), VA-34, (1995–96); the fast combat support ship USS Sacramento (2000–01); the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (2003–06); and Carrier Strike Group Twelve, the USS ENTERPRISE Carrier Strike Group (2009–10). He 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 drawdown from the height of the 2007-08 surge.

Military Awards and Decorations
Buss is authorized to wear the following:
 * Navy Distinguished Service Medal
 * Legion of Merit (5 awards)
 * Distinguished Flying Cross (with Combat "V")
 * Bronze Star Medal;
 * Air Medal (5 individual and 4 strike/flight awards).