David J. Buck

David J. Buck is a retired lieutenant general in the United States Air Force. Prior to his retirement on February 1, 2018, Buck served as the commander of the 14th Air Force, Air Force Space Command, and the Joint Force Space Component at Vandenberg Air Force Base.[1]

David J. Buck
Allegiance	United States
Service/branch	United States Air Force
Years of service	1986–2018
Rank	Lieutenant general
Commands held	14th Air Force Air Force Space Command Joint Force Space Component 30th Space Wing 1st Space Launch Squadron

Air Force career

David Buck graduated summa cum laude with a degree in business administration from Kansas Newman College. In 1986, he graduated from Air Force Officer Training School, and commissioned as a second lieutenant. From 1986 to 1991, he served as a missile combat crew commander at Ellsworth Air Force Base. He then served in the 576th Flight Test Squadron at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Headquarters Air Force Space Command at Peterson Air Force Base, and attended the College of Naval Command and Staff. He commanded the 1st Space Launch Squadron at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and the 821st Air Base Group at Thule Air Base. He then served as the vice commander of the 30th Space Wing and the commander of the 50th Space Wing.[2] In 2010, Buck deployed for a year to direct Air Force Central Command space forces in southwest Asia. After serving as the vice command of the Air Force Warfare Center at Nellis Air Force Base, he served as the Director of Operation and the Vice Commander for Air Force Space Command. In August 2015, he assumed command of the 14th Air Force, Air Force Space Command, and the Joint Force Space Component. He retired on February 1, 2018.[1][3]

Awards and decorations

	Command Space Operations Badge
	Senior Cyberspace Operator Badge
	Command Missile Operations Badge
	United States Strategic Command Badge
	Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge

	Air Force Distinguished Service Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster
	Defense Superior Service Medal
	Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters
	Bronze Star Medal
	Defense Meritorious Service Medal
	Meritorious Service Medal with four bronze oak leaf clusters
	Joint Service Commendation Medal
	Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster
	Air Force Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster
	Joint Meritorious Unit Award
	Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with one silver oak leaf cluster
	Organizational Excellence Award
	Combat Readiness Medal with two oak leaf clusters
	National Defense Service Medal with one bronze service star
	Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
	Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
	Air Force Overseas Short Tour Service Ribbon with "A" (Arctic) device
	Air Force Longevity Service Award with one silver and one bronze oak leaf cluster
	NCO Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon
	Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon
	Air Force Training Ribbon with oak leaf cluster[1]

Effective dates of promotion

Insignia	Rank	Date
	Lieutenant General	Aug. 14, 2015
	Major General	Aug. 8, 2014
	Brigadier General	May 6, 2011
	Colonel	July 1, 2005
	Lieutenant Colonel	May 1, 2000
	Major	Aug. 1, 1996
	Captain	June 10, 1990
	First Lieutenant	June 10, 1988
	Second Lieutenant	June 10, 1986

[1]

References

1. "Lieutenant General David J. Buck". Biographies. United States Air Force. February 1, 2018. Retrieved January 18, 2019.
2. Preston, Ben (August 3, 2008). "Meet Colonel Buck, Our New Space Wing Commander". Santa Barbara Independent. Retrieved January 18, 2019.
3. "The Man Behind US Space Operations". Space Daily. October 30, 2017. Retrieved January 18, 2019.