ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Former Navy track and field student-athlete Tom Buffone has earned a 2020 NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship. Buffone, who graduated from the Naval Academy in 2015, is currently enrolled at Old Dominion University and using the scholarship towards completing his Masters of Engineering Management degree.
 
Buffone was originally awarded the same scholarship in 2015, but the window for using it passed due to his military obligations. With assistance from Christine Copper, chemistry professor and NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative, he applied a second time and once again earned the postgraduate scholarship.
 
"I was very excited and honored to be one of the individuals selected to receive the NCAA postgraduate scholarship," Buffone said. "Being a student-athlete was something I took great pride in while attending the Academy and I'm looking forward to continuing my education. I would not have received this scholarship without the incredible letters of endorsement from Professor Copper, Professor (Richard) Witt, Coach (Chris) Campbell, and Capt. (sel.) Kenneth Roman."
 
As a member of the Navy track and field team, Buffone was a four-time All-Patriot League performer, winning a pair of titles in the throws. In addition, he was a CoSIDA Academic All-American, two-time Patriot League Scholar-Athlete of the Year, and four-time Patriot League All-Academic Team selection.
 
Since graduating, Buffone went on to complete the submarine training that included six months of nuclear power school in Charleston, S.C., six months of prototype training in Ballston Spa, N.Y., and two months of Submarine Basic Officer Course in Groton, Conn.
 
He received orders to the USS Kentucky Blue (SSBN 737), where he served on board from January 2017 to November 2019. Buffone was a part of two drydocking refits and four strategic deterrent patrols. One of the highlights of his tour was launching four Trident II D-5 test missiles during a Follow-On Commander Evaluation Test. His final year on board, the Kentucky received the Battle "E" award for being the best boat in Squadron 17.
 
Upon completing his sea tour, Buffone reported to OPNAV N7 at the Pentagon, where he serves as an action officer within the warfare development division.