Rear Adm. Buchanan, a native of Villanova, Pennsylvania graduated in 1968 from the United States Naval Academy with a bachelor’s degree in Naval Science and a commission as an Ensign, United States Navy.
At sea, he served as weapons officer and damage control assistant aboard USS Lapon (SSN 661); engineer officer aboard USS Trepang (SSN 674);executive officer aboard USS Lafayette (SSBN 616 Gold); pre-commissioning executive officer on USS Ohio (SSBN 726); and as executive officer aboard USS Ohio (SSBN 726 Gold). As commanding officer of USS Parche (SSN 683) he commanded the ship during two missions of exceptional meritorious service to the Government of the United States for which he was recognized with the Navy Distinguished Service Medal. The crew was recognized with the Navy Unit Citation and the Presidential Unit Citation (Navy). As the commander of Submarine Group 7 and commander, Task Force 74 he was responsible for forward deployed submarines in the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Red Sea. He directed the initial Tomahawk land attack weapons launches from a submarine during Operation Desert Storm. As commander, Submarine Group Two in Groton, Connecticut he commanded the attack submarines of Submarine Force Atlantic in support of forward deployed operations.
His shore tours included service at the United States Naval Academy as first company officer; executive assistant to the Commander in Chief United States Pacific Command; and commander, Naval Region Northeast as additional duty while serving as commander, Submarine Group Two.
Buchanan’s last tour was as director Operations and Logistics, United States Strategic Command Omaha, Nebraska where he was instrumental in guiding the transition of TACAMO support from the Air Force to the Navy’s E6B aircraft. Buchanan was certified as a Naval Aviation Observer authorized to wear the NAO insignia in recognition of his qualification as an Airborne Emergency action officer. He retired from the Navy on August 1, 1999.
Buchanan’s personal awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Navy Distinguished Service Medal (two awards), Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (two awards), Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (two awards), and Navy Achievement Medal.  

Last Updated: 12 July 2021