Cmdr. John P. Buser assumed command of the Navy's uniquely outfitted
Scientific Development Squadron ONE (VXS-1) on Oct. 3, 2014, relieving his predecessor Cmdr. Jeffrey M. Plaisance. He will lead the squadron's fleet of research-modified aircraft commanding the planning, engineering, installation, coordination, and execution of airborne science and technology projects.
Buser, who previously served as the squadron's executive officer, is a joint qualified officer with more than 2,200 flight hours of experience. His decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (3rd Strike Flight), four Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and other unit and campaign awards.
A native of Brooklyn, New York, Buser graduated with honors from the University of Colorado at Boulder in December 1995 with a Bachelor of Science degree in aerospace engineering. Following college, he attended Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Fla., and was commissioned an ensign. He was designated a naval aviator in August 1999, graduating advanced flight school as the top naval graduate of the year.
After flight school Buser reported to the Patrol Squadron 26 Tridents in Brunswick, Maine for his first operational tour. As a member of Team Trident, he completed two full east coast deployments and experienced a diverse set of operations ranging from elite BEARTRAP missions north of the Arctic Circle, to counter drug interdiction missions south of the equator.
Buser was selected for instructor pilot duty in March 2003 at the Fleet Replacement Squadron (VP-30) in Jacksonville, Fla., where he served in various capacities, including the squadron's pilot training officer. In August 2005, he was selected as the Flag Aide to Commander, U.S. Seventh Fleet. As the leader of the Admiral's travel team, he helped plan and execute theater security cooperation engagements to 11 countries and 35 cities across the Asia-Pacific region.
In August 2007, Commander Buser reported to the VP-4 Skinny Dragons in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii for his department head tour. His tour was highlighted by a nine-month stint as the squadron's senior pilot.
In November 2009, he reported to the Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate (J-5), The Joint Staff, Washington, D.C. As a member of the Europe/NATO/Russia office, he provided policy inputs to the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff on all matters relating to Central and Eastern Europe.
Most recently, Buser attended the senior course at the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. He earned a Master of Arts in national security and strategic studies, graduating with the highest distinction and recieving the President's Honor Graduate Award. In July 2013, he reported to
Naval Air Station Patuxent River, located in southern Maryland, as the executive officer of the VXS-1 Warlocks squadron.