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Sean Buck
Sean Buck
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Vice Admiral Buck in the Naval Academy Chapel

Key Information

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

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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 the Harvard Graduate School of Education.[5]

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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

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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]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Sean S. Buck is a retired in the who served as the 63rd Superintendent of the from July 26, 2019, to July 7, 2023. A native of , , Buck graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1983, was designated a in 1985, and completed a 40-year career marked by leadership in and reconnaissance operations, fleet commands, and senior educational roles. Buck's operational assignments included command of Patrol and Reconnaissance Forces in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleets, as well as leadership of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. Fourth Fleet, focusing on security cooperation and in the . He also accumulated over a decade of service in , contributing to and strategic planning. His academic pursuits included a in from , along with advanced studies at the College of Naval Command and Staff, U.S. , and Armed Forces Staff College. Upon retirement, Buck was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, two Defense Superior Service Medals, and five Legions of Merit, reflecting his exemplary contributions to national defense. In June 2024, he assumed the presidency of the National Training and Simulation Association, advancing simulation technologies for defense and medical training. Buck's family legacy spans four generations of naval officers since 1900, underscoring a commitment to public service.

Early life and education

Upbringing and family background

Sean Buck was born in 1960 and raised in , Indiana. He attended North Central High School in , graduating in 1979. Buck hails from a family with a multi-generational tradition of service in the U.S. Navy, encompassing four consecutive generations from 1900 onward. His grandfather, Lt. Cmdr. Arthur Whittier, and father, Navy Capt. Edward G. Buck, both served as naval officers, as has Buck himself and his son, Lt. Cmdr. Jeffrey S. Buck. Three members of this lineage, including Buck, graduated from the . This naval heritage influenced Buck's career path, leading him to pursue commissioning through the academy.

U.S. Naval Academy commissioning and early qualifications

Buck graduated from the in , in 1983, earning a degree in oceanography and physics. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as an ensign in the U.S. Navy, marking the start of his active-duty service. Following commissioning, Buck entered the naval aviation training pipeline, completing the necessary coursework and to qualify as a . He achieved designation as a in 1985, specializing in operations. This qualification prepared him for subsequent assignments in platforms, reflecting the Navy's emphasis on multi-domain expertise for officers from the Academy.

Initial assignments as naval flight officer

Following his designation as a naval flight officer in 1985, Buck's initial operational assignments were in the maritime patrol and reconnaissance aviation community, where he flew the P-3C Orion long-range anti-submarine warfare and maritime surveillance aircraft. His early at-sea tours were conducted with Patrol Squadron (VP) 40, the "Fighting Marlins," a P-3C squadron homeported at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, involving missions focused on anti-submarine warfare, intelligence surveillance, and reconnaissance in the Pacific and other theaters. These assignments marked Buck's entry into operational , accumulating flight hours toward his career total exceeding 4,000 in the P-3C platform. In addition to squadron-based flying duties with VP-40, Buck completed a disassociated sea tour detached from his aviation unit, serving aboard an in a non-flying related to operations. This period emphasized the integration of and skills, typical for junior naval flight officers transitioning to broader operational experience.

Operational commands and deployments

Buck commanded Patrol Squadron (VP) 26, a P-3C Orion unit, directing , surveillance, and reconnaissance missions during operational deployments in the Western Pacific and . He later assumed command of Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 11, overseeing seven P-3 and P-8 squadrons based in , coordinating theater-wide operations supporting U.S. Seventh Fleet objectives in the . As a , Buck led Patrol and Reconnaissance Force, U.S. Fifth and Seventh Fleets, managing forward-deployed assets for , , and in contested areas of the Western Pacific. He also commanded Patrol and Reconnaissance Group, focusing on training and readiness for expeditionary operations. In August 2016, he took command of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. Fourth Fleet, responsible for naval operations across , including counter-narcotics interdictions and partnership engagements. During his Fourth Fleet tenure, Buck oversaw humanitarian deployments of the hospital ship , including an 11-week mission departing October 10, 2018, that delivered medical, dental, and veterinary services in , , , and , treating thousands of patients and conducting over 300 surgeries to build partner nation capacity. This effort contributed to broader U.S. Southern Command initiatives, with 's regional missions under his command treating approximately 390,000 patients cumulatively since 2007.

Senior leadership positions prior to superintendency

Buck assumed responsibilities following his promotion to . His initial senior command was as Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group, overseeing and reconnaissance aviation assets. He subsequently commanded Patrol and Reconnaissance Force in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility, while also directing Fleet Air Forward operations, which integrated forward-deployed air capabilities for theater surveillance and missions. In a joint assignment, Buck served as for the Strategy, Plans, and Policy Directorate (J-5) on the Joint Staff, contributing to strategy development and interagency coordination under the Chairman of the . This role emphasized policy formulation amid evolving global threats, drawing on his operational expertise. Buck's final senior operational command prior to the Naval Academy was as , U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. Fourth Fleet, a position to which he was assigned in December 2015 and held until his nomination for superintendency in April 2019. In this billet, headquartered in Mayport, , he directed naval operations across , focusing on counter-narcotics, humanitarian assistance, and partnership-building with regional navies to enhance .

Superintendency at the U.S. Naval Academy

Appointment and tenure overview

Sean S. Buck was nominated on April 30, 2019, by Secretary of the Navy and Admiral John M. Richardson for promotion from to and assignment as the 63rd Superintendent of the , succeeding Walter E. "Ted" Carter Jr. The nomination required confirmation, which was obtained prior to his assumption of duties. Buck officially took command on July 26, 2019, during a ceremony at the Naval Academy in , where he read his orders and relieved Carter, marking the formal transition of leadership. Prior to this , Buck had commanded U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. Fourth Fleet, bringing extensive operational in and leadership to the superintendency. His tenure, spanning over four years, concluded with his retirement from active naval service in August 2023 after a 40-year career, during which he oversaw the academic, military, and physical development of roughly 4,500 midshipmen annually. Rear Admiral assumed duties as acting superintendent following Buck's departure. Throughout his time in the position, Buck emphasized the Naval Academy's mission to produce commissioned officers of competence, character, and consequence for the and Marine .

Management of institutional challenges including COVID-19

During the early stages of the , Sean Buck directed the U.S. to transition to remote learning on , , dispersing the approximately 4,500 midshipmen from campus after spring break to mitigate spread, with all academic courses shifting online within two weeks. This decision aligned with broader Department of Defense guidance, prioritizing health while maintaining educational continuity through tools like Zoom and flexible scheduling adjustments, such as accommodating time zone differences for remote participants. For the , Buck oversaw adaptations to ensure on-time graduation and commissioning on May 20, 2020, including socially distanced swearing-in ceremonies and virtual family participation to uphold commissioning standards amid restrictions. In summer 2020, training proceeded in isolated "pods" of 40-48 midshipmen to limit transmission risks. Upon the Brigade's return for fall 2020, Buck implemented Sentinel Suppression Testing, screening 15% of faculty, staff, and midshipmen weekly starting August 30, which kept positivity rates below local benchmarks in Anne Arundel County and ; additional measures included dedicating Bancroft Hall's Second Wing for , leasing 375 beds from St. John's College dormitories, hybrid in-person/remote classes with , and takeaway meals to reduce communal gatherings. Buck enforced stricter protocols in response to case surges, such as a February 2021 uptick prompting a full restriction of movement for at least 10 days, remote academics, in-room meals, limited outdoor exercise (two hours daily with one ), daily testing for contacts, suspension of most sports, and a ban on visitors including parents and sponsors, while maintaining masks, distancing, and sanitation. These drew from containment strategies adapted to the Academy's communal living environment, with Buck emphasizing all-hands among faculty, staff, and coaches to protect the "young and healthy" population. Reflecting in May 2021, Buck described the return-to-campus decision as essential for fostering in a "" irreplaceable by online means, despite social media backlash and logistical hurdles like managing belongings, and noted midshipmen adapted through sacrificed liberties, enhancing resilience. Amid vaccination rollout in spring 2021, the Academy prioritized faculty and staff inoculations before planning for midshipmen to enable safe summer training. Buck's administration enforced a COVID-19 vaccine mandate, denying all 18 religious exemption requests from midshipmen, though he stated no unvaccinated midshipmen were denied diplomas as of late 2022. This policy faced congressional scrutiny from Republicans, who argued it risked wasting taxpayer investment in otherwise qualified cadets solely over vaccination status. Broader institutional challenges under Buck included aging infrastructure and prevention, identified as priorities upon his 2019 appointment, though specific management outcomes during the era emphasized adaptive resource allocation to sustain operations without detailed public metrics on non-COVID issues. Overall, Buck's approach maintained mission continuity, graduating classes on schedule despite external pressures, by balancing health protocols with core naval leadership development.

Enforcement of academic and honor standards

During his tenure as superintendent from 2019 to 2023, Sean Buck emphasized the U.S. Naval Academy's commitment to rigorous enforcement of academic and honor standards, overseen through the Brigade Honor Program. This peer-driven system, detailed in USNAINST 1610.3M issued on February 7, 2022, empowers midshipmen to investigate, adjudicate, and recommend sanctions for violations of the Honor Concept, which prohibits lying, cheating, or stealing, while mandating intolerance of such acts among peers. Buck's reinforced these mechanisms to foster ethical decision-making essential for future naval officers. In congressional testimony on March 2, , Buck stated that the Academy "treat very seriously" and is dedicated to "upholding the highest standards of ," underscoring proactive measures like and midshipmen education on ethical conduct amid remote learning challenges during the . Enforcement actions included mandatory honor remediation for violators, involving supervised ethical seminars and probationary periods to rehabilitate those retained in the brigade. Buck initiated investigations into suspected academic irregularities, such as the December 2020 General Physics I final exam administered online to 653 midshipmen, where anomalous answer patterns triggered a review. Adjudications through the resulted in separations for confirmed violators and sanctions for others, with Buck affirming the Academy's resolve to maintain brigade-wide integrity: "This requires the highest standards of , , and commitment from our midshipmen." Such outcomes demonstrated the system's efficacy in deterring misconduct while allowing remediation where appropriate.

Controversies and investigations

2021 midshipman cheating scandal

In December 2020, during a remote proctored exam for the SP211 General Physics I course—primarily taken by second-class (sophomore) midshipmen—numerous students at the U.S. Naval Academy accessed unauthorized external resources, including textbooks, online solution manuals, and shared answers via group chats, violating the institution's honor code. Vice Adm. Sean Buck, as superintendent, promptly ordered an investigation upon reports of potential widespread unauthorized assistance, leading to scrutiny of approximately 110 midshipmen. The probe concluded with 18 midshipmen separated from the academy—either through expulsion or voluntary resignation—for confirmed honor violations, while 82 others received lesser sanctions such as reprimands or remedial training but were retained; among the investigated, 61 were varsity athletes. Buck emphasized the scandal's implications for institutional values, stating it necessitated "an increased focus on character and integrity within the entire ," underscoring the academy's commitment to upholding ethical standards amid remote learning challenges during the .

Efforts to disenroll midshipman over social media activity

In June , amid national protests following the police , U.S. Naval Academy first class Chase Standage posted multiple tweets on a personal account addressing the incident, police conduct, and related civil unrest. The posts included assertions that Taylor had received "justice" for her fatal shooting due to non-compliance and reaching for a weapon, calls for lethal force against armed or non-compliant individuals in scenarios, and suggestions that police should shoot protesters who threw objects or posed threats. Standage, son of Los Angeles officers, defended the tweets as personal opinions aligned with support for , arguing they did not violate academy prohibitions on midshipmen engaging in partisan political activities while in uniform or using official resources. The Naval Academy launched a formal investigation into the posts after they drew public criticism on , prompting complaints about their inflammatory tone and potential to undermine . The resulting Performance Investigation Report (PIR), completed in August 2020, concluded that Standage's tweets breached Midshipmen Notice 5720, which restricts midshipmen from partisan political actions, and constituted an officer under academy regulations. Superintendent Sean Buck reviewed the PIR and determined the activity reflected "unsatisfactory conduct," recommending Standage's disenrollment to of the for failing to uphold the standards expected of future naval officers, particularly in maintaining professionalism on public platforms. Buck emphasized that the infraction stemmed from the tweets' divisive nature during a period of heightened social tensions, rather than solely their viewpoint, though interviewees in the PIR reported perceptions of or insensitivity in the language used. On September 25, 2020, the academy imposed initial administrative discipline short of separation, but Buck's recommendation proceeded to Secretary of the Navy , who approved disenrollment in October 2020, citing risks to Standage's suitability for commissioned service. Standage filed a federal lawsuit (Standage v. Braithwaite) seeking an injunction, alleging First Amendment violations, denials, and selective enforcement amid a campus "culture war" over conservative expressions. U.S. District Judge Ellen Lipton Hollander denied preliminary relief on December 23, 2020, ruling the challenge premature absent exhaustion of military remedies, though she noted the tweets' crude phrasing raised legitimate disciplinary concerns without resolving constitutionality. A subsequent Navy Inspector General investigation, prompted by allegations of procedural irregularities, substantiated that Buck made false statements on three occasions to senior Navy officials during the disenrollment deliberations, including misrepresentations of private conversations with Standage regarding the midshipman's views on using military force against civilians—assertions not supported by evidence and used to bolster the case for separation. The IG report, released in 2023, concluded these inaccuracies violated standards for official communications, though it did not recommend further administrative action against Buck. Standage ultimately settled his in early 2021, allowing him to graduate in May 2021, commission as an ensign, and enter training, with the academy withdrawing the disenrollment. Arizona Representative had urged Buck in December 2020 to drop the charges, arguing they exemplified overreach against midshipmen expressing pro-law-enforcement sentiments. In April 2021, the Department of Defense (DoD OIG) launched an investigation into Vice Admiral Sean S. Buck, Superintendent of the U.S. , following a referral alleging that he made false official statements under Article 107 of the (UCMJ) during discussions with senior officials about the disenrollment of 1st Class Grant Hrdlicka. The probe focused on Buck's administrative representations in the context of Hrdlicka's activity, which had prompted an initial recommendation for disenrollment and repayment of approximately $174,753 in taxpayer-funded education costs. Specifically, the investigation scrutinized statements Buck made on February 18, 2021, during a with Navy leaders, and on February 24, 2021, during an office visit with a senior official, in which he claimed Hrdlicka had responded "Yes" to a hypothetical question about using military force—or bombing—to suppress civilian rioters. These assertions contrasted with contemporaneous records, including Buck's own September 23, 2020, interview notes with Hrdlicka, which contained no evidence of such an affirmative response, and his November 12, 2020, recommending disenrollment, which emphasized Hrdlicka's expressions of rather than endorsement of violence. Hrdlicka's tweets, posted amid 2020 civil unrest, included references to potential violence against rioters but did not explicitly advocate bombing or military action against civilians, according to the reviewed evidence. The DoD OIG report, completed in September 2022, determined that Buck's statements about Hrdlicka's alleged admissions were false, as they were unsupported by prior documentation or witness corroboration. However, the investigators concluded that the statements did not qualify as false statements under UCMJ Article 107, citing a lack of intent to deceive and the informal nature of some contexts, despite their occurrence in official-capacity discussions with superiors like former Navy Secretary . No criminal referral or administrative discipline was recommended against Buck. Hrdlicka, who had sued the Navy over the disenrollment process, was reinstated following a court settlement and graduated from the Naval Academy on May 28, 2021. The investigation records were obtained and publicized in 2023 through a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit filed by against the Department of Defense.

Retirement and post-military activities

2023 retirement from naval service

Sean S. Buck retired from active duty in the United States Navy on September 1, 2023, after over 40 years of commissioned service that began with his graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1983. His retirement marked the end of his tenure as the 63rd Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy, where he had enforced standards of , honor, and operational readiness amid institutional challenges. The transition at the Naval Academy followed Senate confirmation delays for a permanent successor, with appointed as acting superintendent effective September 1, 2023. Buck's departure included a farewell address to the Brigade of Midshipmen on August 22, 2023, emphasizing leadership principles and service values derived from his career experiences. In May 2023, the U.S. introduced H. Res. 563 to recognize Buck's contributions, highlighting his command roles and commitment to naval education, though the measure referenced a July 7 retirement date that preceded the actual event. Buck's service awards, including the Distinguished Service Medal, underscored his operational and leadership achievements prior to retirement.

Leadership in the National Training and Simulation Association

Sean S. Buck, USN (Ret.), was appointed president of the National Training and Simulation Association (NTSA) on June 3, 2024, succeeding prior leadership to guide the organization's efforts in advancing modeling, simulation, training, and education technologies. NTSA, a non-profit affiliate of the National Defense Industrial Association, represents industry stakeholders by facilitating collaboration among government, academia, and private sectors to enhance defense readiness through innovative simulation solutions. In this capacity, Buck leverages his 40-year naval career, including command of the U.S. Fourth Fleet and superintendency of the U.S. Naval Academy, to advocate for training as a strategic asset. Under Buck's leadership, NTSA has emphasized accelerating the adoption of in and , particularly through flagship events like the Interservice/Industry , Simulation, and Education Conference (I/ITSEC). He delivered opening remarks at the 2025 , , and Instrumentation (TSIS), sharing observations on industry trends, and participated in a fireside chat with Vice Chairman of the Admiral to discuss joint force imperatives. Buck also hosted the 2025 Congressional Modeling & Leadership Summit, fostering dialogue on policy and innovation, and contributed to podcasts highlighting NTSA's role in upcoming conferences. Buck's tenure has reinforced NTSA's commitment to bridging technological advancements with operational needs, including live-virtual-constructive training environments that integrate and for enhanced warfighter preparedness. In a June 2025 president's message for I/ITSEC, he reflected on his first year, underscoring opportunities for industry-government partnerships amid evolving security challenges. These initiatives align with Buck's prior experience in naval education and fleet operations, positioning NTSA to influence policy and standards in simulation-based training.

References

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