USS COWPENS (CG 63)

           John J. "Buz" Sorce, Captain, USN

    Captain John J. (Buz) Sorce is the 23rd Commanding Officer of the Naval ROTC unit at the University of Mississippi Captain Sorce is a native of Memphis, Tennessee.  He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1981, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Ocean Engineering.  He is also a graduate of the Naval War College where he received a Masters degree in National Security and Strategic Studies.  Captain Sorce has served in a diverse range of sea and shore assignments.

   Capt. Sorce’s previous assignment was as the Deputy of Surface Ships, in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV N86).  In this capacity, he was responsible for the budgets and operational requirements for the Navy’s future and current combatants.  Specific programs included: the AEGIS CG/DDG modernization effort, the Littoral Combat Ship, DDG-1000 and the next generation cruiser.

    A career Surface Warfare Officer (SWO), Captain Sorce served in several different combatants.  These afloat assignments included division officer tours in USS BARNEY (DDG 6) as Missiles Officer and Navigator, and in the commissioning crew of USS BUNKER HILL (CG 52) as Fire Control Officer and Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer.  His Department Head tour was in USS TICONDEROGA (CG 47) where he served as Weapons Control Officer, Combat Systems Officer and Operations Officer.  His Executive Officer tour was in USS LAKE ERIE (CG 70).

   Captain Sorce commanded two AEGIS combatants;  first in USS HOPPER (DDG 70) homeported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and second on board the forward-deployed USS COWPENS (CG 63) which was homeported in Yokosuka Japan.

   Ashore he served as an action officer in the psychological warfare branch of the Joint Staff (J-3) and in the Navy Staff (N1) as the Surface Warfare Officer Community Manager.  While Community Manager, he played a major role in the design and approval of the SWO department head bonus.   Captain Sorce also completed a tour as the Executive Assistant to the Commander, Navy Personnel Command in Millington, Tennessee.

    Captain Sorce’s military awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Meritorious Service Medal, Joint and Navy Commendation Medals, as well as various campaign and service decorations.