Sean Buck Explained

Sean Buck
Order:63rd
Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy
Term Start:July 26, 2019
Term End:August 27, 2023
Predecessor:Walter E. Carter Jr.
Successor:Frederick W. Kacher (acting)
Yvette M. Davids
Birth Place:Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
Module:
Embed:yes
Allegiance:United States
Serviceyears:1983–2023
Awards:Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Defense Superior Service Medal (2)
Legion of Merit (5)
Alma Mater:United States Naval Academy (BS)
George Washington University (MA)

Sean Scott Buck (born 1960)[1] is a retired vice admiral in the United States Navy who served as the Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy from July 26, 2019 to August 27, 2023.[2] [3]

Early life and education

Buck is a native of Indianapolis where he attended North Central High School, graduating in 1979.[4] He is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and received his commission in 1983. He earned a Master of Arts in international security policy from George Washington University and has completed studies at the Naval War College and the Joint Forces Staff College. He also completed a fellowship at MIT Seminar XXI: Foreign Politics, International Relations, and the National Interest; and executive certificate programs at both the Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Graduate School of Education.[5]

Naval career

Buck was designated a naval flight officer in 1985.

As a flag officer, Buck has served as commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Force with U.S. 5th and 7th Fleets, Fleet Air Forward, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group; chief of staff, Strategy, Plans and Policy (J5), the Joint Staff; Director, 21st Century Sailor Office, where his portfolio included the Navy's programs on sexual assault prevention and response, suicide prevention, alcohol abuse, and other destructive behaviors; and most recently he served as commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet.

Flying the P-3C Orion, Buck's early at-sea operational tours were with the “Fighting Marlins” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 40; a disassociated sea tour aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) as the catapult and arresting gear division officer; and a department head tour with the “Tridents” of VP-26. He subsequently commanded VP-26 and Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 11.

Buck's shore and staff assignments include Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 1; Bureau of Naval Personnel; Joint Staff J3; Office of the Chief of Naval Operations staff as executive assistant to the deputy chief of Naval Operations (CNO) for Warfare Requirements and Programs (N6/N7); and as the deputy director for operations in the Strategy and Policy Directorate (J5), U.S. Joint Forces Command. Prior to major command, Buck completed an interim assignment with the National Reconnaissance Office; he is a member of the Navy's Space Cadre.

Buck also completed a special assignment as a senior fellow on the CNO's Strategic Studies Group in Newport, Rhode Island, an innovation think tank for the Navy. Buck became the 63rd superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy on July 26, 2019. He retired from the Navy on July 7, 2023, relinquishing his office to Rear Admiral Fred Kacher.[6] [7]

Buck's personal awards include the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal (two awards), Legion of Merit (five awards) and various other personal, unit and service awards.[8]

Inspector General's Investigation

VADM Buck was the subject of a Navy Inspector General (IG) investigation concerning statements he made while attempting to disenroll a midshipman from the Naval Academy and deny him a commission in the Navy. The IG concluded that VADM Buck made false statements concerning conversations he had with the midshipman, although none of these statements were false official statements.[9]

Ultimately, the targeted midshipman was reinstated and received his commission.[10]

Notes and References

  1. Book: Register of Commissioned and Warrant Officers of the United States Navy on Active Duty . October 1, 1990 . 86 . Bureau of Naval Personnel . 2021-06-05.
  2. Web site: Leadership Biographies. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200319104417/https://www.navy.mil/navydata/bios/navybio.asp?bioID=570. March 19, 2020. 2019-11-16. United States Naval Academy.
  3. Web site: The Baltimore Sun Editorial Board. November 2019. Charges against midshipmen raise concern about Naval Academy's commitment to addressing sexual assault. 2019-11-16. The Baltimore Sun.
  4. Book: Northerner . 1979 . 155 . North Central High School . Indianapolis, Indiana.
  5. Web site: Vice Admiral Sean Buck . August 18, 2020 . U.S. Navy . 2021-06-05. Public domain source.
  6. Web site: H.Res.563 - Recognizing Vice Admiral Sean Buck for his 44 years of exemplary service to his country and his home State of Indiana.. 2023-06-30. 2023-07-17. U.S. Congress.
  7. Web site: LaGrone. Sam. Three Admirals Approved to Retire Amid Senate Confirmation Hold, Temporary Naval Academy Leader Chosen. 2023-07-13. 2023-07-17. USNI News.
  8. Web site: Biography of the Superintendent.
  9. Web site: Report of Investigation: Vice Admiral Sean S. Buck, U.S. Navy, Superintendent, United States Naval Academy.
  10. Web site: Associated Press Article of May 29, 2021, "Midshipman who had faced expulsion for tweets graduates". . 29 May 2021 .