Neil Buckman
Merritt Island,FL
Summary
Dynamic and accomplished professional with extensive experience as a Navy Harbor Patrol Boat Operator for the Department of the Air Force and U.S. Navy. Expert in maritime operations and emergency response, I successfully led security operations and trained personnel to uphold rigorous standards, ensuring mission success and safety during critical space launch events.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Navy Harbor Patrol Boat Operator
Department Of The Air Force
Cape Canaveral SFS, FL
05.2014 - Current
- Performed regular maritime patrols of Navy wharfs located at Port Canaveral, using a 33-foot harbor patrol boat to defend high-value assets like war vessels for the U.S. Navy.
- Employed M240B light machine gun to safeguard war vessels, acting as final denial and last line of defense.
- Collaborated with maritime partners (BCSO, U.S. Coast Guard) to escort war vessels and enforce exclusion zones during security events (vessel movements, space launches, etc.)
- Employed RADAR, AIS, GPS, and VHF radio to strengthen command, control, and communication with vessels in operational area.
- Executed training and quality control responsibilities, ensuring all new and prospective boat operators attain full qualifications and consistently meet high standards.
Police Officer
Department Of The Air Force
Cape Canaveral SFS, FL
10.2005 - Current
- Conducted range clearance duties for hundreds of space launches, ensuring the safety of personnel, and overall mission security.
- Provided armed escorts for the safe and secure movement and delivery of space launch hardware, such as rocket boosters, fairings, and launch payloads.
- Served as a Base Defense Operations Controller, and was responsible for the command, control, and communication of police officers during space launch operations. Facilitated alignment of security launch lead with various support services, such as launch safety, fire/rescue, emergency operations, and corresponding personnel.
- Served as a training officer, ensuring police officers were trained to rigorous standards in multiple roles, such as navy harbor patrol boat operators, patrolmen, electronic surveillance officers, and base defense operation controllers.
Infantry Team Leader
Army
Cocoa, FL
06.1999 - 06.2013
- Led patrols through hostile territory while maintaining strict adherence to security protocols.
- Directed fire teams in engaging targets accurately while minimizing collateral damage.
- Implemented land navigation skills in diverse environments to reach strategic objectives.
- Maintained contact with friendly forces operating nearby while conducting joint operations.
- Maintained and serviced personal and unit weaponry to ensure operational readiness.
- Adapted to rapidly changing tactical situations to achieve mission objectives.
- Conducted daily physical fitness training to maintain combat readiness.
- Educated junior infantrymen in tactics, weapons handling, and field survival skills.
- Administered first aid and battlefield casualty care to injured personnel.
- Operated communications equipment to ensure effective field communication.
- Practiced and trained soldiers in hand-to-hand combat techniques to prepare for close-quarters combat situations.
Education
High School Diploma -
Merritt Island High School
Merritt Island, FL05-2000
Skills
- NASBLA Tactical Boat Operator
- Maritime Navigation
- RADAR, AIS, GPS Surveilance
- VHF Radio Communications
- Emergency Response
- Weapon Operation
- Boat Operations Trainer and Quality Controller
- Marine Law Enforcement
- Space Launch Range Clearance
- Launch Hardware Escort
Affiliations
- CrossFit Level 2 Fitness Instructor
- Competitive CrossFit Athlete
Certification
- NASBLA Tactical Boat Operator
- Coast Guard Safe Boater
- Navy Harbor Patrol Boat Trainer and Quality Controller
- Space Launch Security Operations Certified
- American Red Cross CPR Certified
- ATV/UTV Operation Certified
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Navy Harbor Patrol Boat Operator
Department Of The Air Force
05.2014 - Current
Police Officer
Department Of The Air Force
10.2005 - Current
Infantry Team Leader
Army
06.1999 - 06.2013
High School Diploma -
Merritt Island High School