Robert K. DeBuse

• Established specialized defense consulting firm focused on expeditionary mine countermeasures, autonomous maritime systems, EOD, maritime security, and capability integration.
• Advised government and industry clients on force design, technology adoption, and strategic planning.
• Directed strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency across all departments.
• Oversaw financial planning and analysis, optimizing resource allocation for maximum ROI.
• Implemented comprehensive risk management strategies to ensure safety and compliance standards.

• Led business development and strategic positioning for UXO survey and clearance operations supporting $10.7B Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW-C) program, a 2.6 GW project spanning 112,800 acres and 365 miles of subsea cable infrastructure; delivered multi-phase campaign with 2,000+ target investigations, 495 identifications, 240 UXO dispositions (100% of plan), and 800 debris relocations, while integrating computer-aided imaging and reconnaissance technologies to enhance identification accuracy, streamline operational timelines, and improve safety across large-scale offshore energy development supporting 176 wind turbine generators.
• Developed ability to utilize remote and unmanned systems for commercial and defense applications. Innovatively oversaw the expansion of all service-related sectors for offshore construction projects requiring seabed intervention, investigation, mitigation, and remediation.
• Facilitated executive-level meetings to streamline communication and align strategic priorities among senior leadership.
• Guided talent development initiatives, mentoring emerging leaders and strengthening organizational capabilities for future challenges.
• Cultivated strong relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, vendors, regulators, and community leaders to promote collaboration and long-term success.

• Coordinated logistics for deployments to Japan, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, Afghanistan, and the Eastern Pacific... optimizing resource allocation and minimizing delays in operations.
• Developed and implemented safety protocols, ensuring compliance with military regulations and reducing incidents.
• Operations officer onboard three MCM-1 Class vessels and at two separate EOD Mobile Units charged with the role of conducting global mine countermeasures and explosive ordnance disposal operations with allies and partner nations.
• Recognized for expertise spanning EOD, expeditionary mine countermeasures, Undersea and Seabed Warfare, diving and salvage operations, unexploded ordnance remediation, subsea infrastructure protection, autonomous maritime systems, and emerging unmanned underwater vehicle capabilities.
• Collaborated with government agencies, fleet commanders, acquisition organizations, allied militaries, and industry partners to identify capability gaps and transition operational requirements into effective solutions.
• Spearheaded initiatives to improve operational efficiency, resulting in streamlined processes across various departments.
• Directed crisis management efforts during emergency situations, ensuring swift resolution with minimal impact on operations.

• Drafted and refined mission, vision, and guidance for Navy Expeditionary community, aligning 20,000-member force with strategic objectives. Delivered strategic messaging focused on Great Power Competition, enhancing alignment of US response within Navy Expeditionary framework.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
• Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.

• Developed and tracked contract proposals to align with company strategy and establish competitive advantages. Incorporated company strategy into proposals, establishing win themes and identifying competitors' weaknesses. Delivered management consulting services to public sector clients, enhancing project outcomes and stakeholder engagement.
• Analyzed market trends to inform strategic decision-making and drive organizational goals.
• Collaborated with stakeholders to streamline processes, reducing turnaround times significantly.
• Oversaw project management efforts, ensuring alignment with organizational strategies and objectives.

• US Navy’s recognized diving expert. Supervised twelve senior members in developing tactics, techniques, and procedures; established policy requirements for 11,600 qualified divers across DoD. Led international program development as US-led Technical Project Officer for international diving exchange agreements.
• Provided new tools and techniques for risk assessment, acceptance, and management at the operational and tactical levels.
• Re-drafted and implemented decades old processes for the new diver workforce that enhanced productivity ands safety.
• Led strategic initiatives focused on resource allocation and project management best practices.
• Mentored junior supervisors, fostering leadership skills and professional development within the team.
• Collaborated with stakeholders to align operational goals with strategic mission objectives.

• Organized and deployed US government’s only senior-level headquarters to counter WMD effects outside US, enhancing international security efforts. Planned and executed rapid deployment of personnel and assets to Syria, facilitating the successful destruction of chemical weapons.
• Oversaw coordination of joint exercises, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and readiness standards.
• Analyzed performance data to identify trends, driving continuous improvement initiatives across operations.
• Developed training programs to improve team competencies in operational protocols and safety standards.

• Chosen for an independent assignment at the world’s most influential think tank, providing expertise in federal defense policy and decision making, national security strategy, interagency coordination, and political-military affairs.
• Conducted research and analysis of Navy-wide and Defense-wide program performance, informing data-driven decision-making strategies.
• Developed officer accession and evaluation guidelines to help steer proper promotion and assign authority/responsibility roles to properly screened and vetted personnel.

• Supervised thirty-five military and civil service members and contractors, fostering collaboration and mission success. Analyzed, adjusted, planned, built, and executed business cases to optimize $2.35 billion annual appropriations portfolio for Navy’s construction battalions, coastal riverine forces, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), and diving and salvage units.
• As the Resource Sponsor for a 20,000 person force, assumed the mantle of community stewardship in the face of the 2013 implementation of the Budget Control Act and responsibly shaped the future force for the next 15 years.
• As the Lead for the Joint Service EOD Program, led the Navy-directed Joint Service Material and Training Boards to properly equip, train, and employ EOD forces to all joint forces commanders.
• Represented the Navy at the Joint IED Defeat Organization's operational and strategic gatherings that supported the global IED fight and oversaw the allocation and execution of $20.5 billion to defeat-the-device, train-the-force, attack-the-network initiatives in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Philippines.

• Held absolute responsibility for the safety, well-being, training, equipping, and employment of a command of twenty-two officers and 130 enlisted Sailors.
• Led explosive ordnance disposal operations, ensuring mission success and personnel safety in high-risk environments.
• Developed and implemented training programs for personnel on advanced EOD techniques and protocols.
• Conducted risk assessments and developed strategic plans to mitigate potential hazards during missions.
• Oversaw maintenance and readiness of specialized EOD equipment, ensuring optimal performance during operations.
• Represented unit at high-level briefings, articulating strategic objectives and reinforcing interagency partnerships for EOD initiatives.
• Developed personnel through targeted training programs, resulting in improved skill sets and increased productivity.

Commanded the U.S. military's counter-IED headquarters responsible for operations across ten provinces that accounted for the majority of improvised explosive device activity in the country.

• Exercised operational control over joint-service EOD units, intelligence elements, scientists, engineers, and specialized enabling organizations conducting some of the most demanding counter-explosive missions of the conflict.
• Integrated Navy, Army, Air Force, coalition, and special operations forces to develop explosive hazard defeat capabilities in an exceptionally challenging operational environment.
• Analyzed mission requirements to optimize resource allocation and deployment strategies.
• Led risk assessment initiatives identifying potential hazards in operational planning.
• Collaborated with joint task force units to streamline communication and operations.