About Us

Commanding Officer

CO

Captain Michael Puffer was born in New London, Connecticut and raised in New Jersey and North Carolina. In 1998, he graduated from the United States Naval Academy with a degree in Systems Engineering. He was designated a Naval Flight Officer in July 2000 and reported to VP-30 for training in the P-3C Orion.

In February 2001, he reported to the “Mad Foxes” of VP-5 completing deployments to the FIFTH and SIXTH Fleet areas of responsibility in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and Operations IRAQI FREEDOM.

From 2004-2006, Captain Puffer served as P-3C Weapons Tactics Instructor and Assistant Operations Officer at Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing ELEVEN.

In September 2006, Captain Puffer reported to the Forward Deployed Naval Forces in Yokosuka, Japan as Assistant Navigator aboard USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63). 

In September 2008, Captain Puffer returned to the “Pro’s Nest” of VP-30 where he served as the Administrative Officer and Fleet Replacement Squadron Instructor.  

In September 2009, Captain Puffer reported to the “Pelicans” of VP-45 and served as the Tactics Officer and Maintenance Officer.

In September 2011, Captain Puffer reported to U.S. Central Command where he served as Executive Officer to the Director of Strategy, Plans and Policy.

In October 2014, Captain Puffer reported to the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Weapons School where he transitioned to the P-8A Poseidon. He took command of the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Weapons School in October 2015.

From February 2017 to February 2019, Captain Puffer served as the Navigator aboard USS GEORGE H. W. BUSH (CVN 77) and deployed to the FIFTH and SIXTH Fleet areas of responsibility.  

From February 2019 to February 2022, Captain Puffer reported to U.S. Special Operations Command where he served as J5 Deputy Director.

In May 2022, Captain Puffer reported to 607 Air Operations Center at Osan Air Base, Korea as the Naval and Amphibious Liaison Element Director for Seventh Air Force.

In June 2023, Captain Puffer assumed command of the Buccaneer Battalion, serving as the Professor of Naval Science in the University of South Florida Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps. 

Captain Puffer’s personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), Defense Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (5 awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various campaign and unit awards.