CDR Johnathon S. Buss

Executive Officer, USS Santa Barbara (LCS 32)

20 November 2023 CDR Johnathon Buss is a native of Media, Illinois. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Systems Engineering and subsequently earned a master’s degree in Systems Engineering from Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey.

At sea, his assignments include Ordnance Officer and Combat Information Center Officer aboard USS ROBERT G. BRADLEY (FFG 49) and Navigator aboard USS FREEDOM (LCS 1). As a department head, he was a member of the commissioning crew of USS MILWAUKEE (LCS 5) and served as Combat Systems Officer and later as Operations Officer. Ashore, CDR Buss served at Third Fleet as a staff officer in the N8/9 Requirements, CONOPS, and Fleet Experimentation Department. Highlights include serving as lead Experimentation Officer for RIMPAC 2020 and being the lead planner for Unmanned Systems Integrated Battle Problem 21 (UxS IBP 21). Subsequently he was assigned as Flag Secretary / N1 for Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group Two at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, Virginia.

CDR Buss is currently assigned as Executive Officer, USS SANTA BARBARA (LCS 32) homeported in San Diego, California.

Personal awards include Navy and Marine Corp Commendation Medal (four awards) and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four awards) and various campaign and service medals and ribbons.