Blue Angels Fly Over Downtown SD Honors Vice Admiral

San Diegans in the downtown area were treated to a flyover by the Blue Angels Thursday as the U.S. Navy recognized the retirement of a senior aviation official.

The team was called into town to celebrate the retirement of Vice Admiral David Buss, the head of all naval aviation. About 60 flag officers attended the celebration as he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal on behalf of the president.

Buss served for 36 years and commanded Attack Squadron 34 the Blue Blasters, one of the Navy's last A-6 squadrons. He also oversaw new technology during a turbulent time, including the development and testing of the Navy's newest stealth jet, the F-35C.

He also commanded USS Sacramento during Operation Enduring Freedom and then USS John Stennis.

β€œI turn over an aviation force today of which I am, and you should be, very, very proud,”
Buss said in a Navy news release. β€œNot only do we continue to excel in combat and have so continuously for the past 13 plus years, but we continue to set the conditions on a strategic playing field for decades of future success as a warfighting force for unprecedented transition into new
and ever-increasingly capable aircraft.”

Friends tell NBC 7 he excelled in combat operations and say Buss will be missed.

The change of command to Vice Admiral Troy Shoemaker took place on USS Stennis in the San Diego Bay.

β€œI am incredibly honored and humbled by the opportunity to β€˜fleet up’ and take over as
your new Air Boss,” Shoemaker said.

Buss' wife, Donna, also was honored for her support of Navy families and received the Department of the Navy Superior Public Service Award.

Buss said he's happy that retirement will allow him to spend more time with his wife.

"I love you, honey," he said. "I am coming home."

Buss and his wife will stay put here in San Diego for their retirement.

USS-Stennis-Change-of-Comma
Bridget Naso
The view from the change of command ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2014.
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