The San Diego-based admiral in charge of all naval aviation will retire next week and be replaced by the commander of air operations over the Atlantic Ocean, the Navy announced Thursday.
Vice Adm. David Buss will step down as commander, naval air forces, on Jan. 22 and retire from the Navy following 36 years of service.
Over his career, the 1978 graduate of the Naval Academy led one of the last squadrons of A-6 "Intruder" jets, commanded the aircraft carrier John C. Stennis, served on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations and directed strategy, planning and assessment in Baghdad, Iraq.
He's been in his current position as "air boss" since October 2012.
Buss will be replaced by Rear Adm. Troy "Mike" Shoemaker, who is scheduled for a promotion to vice admiral in time to assume his new position, according to the Navy.
The 1982 Naval Academy alumnus was most recently the commander, naval air force Atlantic. The veteran pilot has commanded several squadrons and air wings, has served as a flight instructor and in numerous shore-based staff positions.
The naval air forces commander is responsible for the material readiness, administration, and training of all naval aviation commands and for providing operationally ready squadrons and aircraft carriers to the fleet.
The change-of-command ceremony is scheduled to take place aboard the Stennis in San Diego Bay.
