Kurt Buckendorf

Military Faculty member of the War Gaming Department, Center for Naval Warfare Studies of the Naval War College. Led a team of 10 research associates in the analysis of war games to examine issues of strategic and operational importance to the United States Navy and Geographic Combatant Commanders in the Pacific Region, Europe and the Atlantic Region, and the Middle East. Enhanced communication with Fleet Commanders and the Experimentation, Exercise, and Modeling and Simulation communities of interest to ensure nesting of research objectives and prevent duplication of efforts. Conducted joint adjudication and analysis of Air Force War Games to improve an understanding of the Maritime Environment.

Senior trained planner responsible for the development and maintenance for standing operational war plans and "contingency" plans in the Middle East, East Africa, and the Indian Ocean in support of national objectives. Led a team of 2 civilian and 5 Military Officers in developing bilateral defense plans throughout the Middle East. Provided decision support to senior commanders on complicated issues by presenting potential courses of action with the assessment of risks. Worked effectively in fast-paced environments and became the lead facilitator of interagency efforts for a high-impact environmental contingency.

Military Faculty member in the Strategy and Policy Department of the US Naval War College to develop and deliver interdisciplinary coursework integrating history, political science and geopolitics, international relations, and economics with military doctrine, weaponry, training, technology, and logistics. Gave Masters-level instruction to over 150 military and civilian leaders and sharpened students’ analytical and critical thinking skills on the nature of Maritime Power, National Power, and the linkage of of ends, ways, and means.

Responsible for the execution of strategic sealift missions in support of U.S. operations across the Middle East and Central Asia, ensuring seamless logistics and sustainment during critical regional conflicts and contingencies. Oversaw maintenance, logistics, and operational readiness of government owned Military Sealift Command vessels and commercial sealift vessels contracted to support US National Security Missions, ensuring mission success in complex maritime environments, including high-tempo operations in the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, and Indian Ocean. Coordinated with the Fifth Fleet Commander and worked to integrate MSC assets with the broader Naval Scheme of Maneuver in a volatile theater of operations marked by piracy, regional tensions, and evolving threats.