General Thomas A. Bussiere

General Thomas A. Bussiere is a retired United States Air Force four-star general whose nearly four-decade career placed him at the forefront of America's nuclear deterrence and strategic strike mission. Bussiere served as commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, overseeing strategic deterrence, global strike capability, and combat support to U.S. Strategic Command and other combatant commands. His command included two numbered air forces, 11 active duty, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve wings, and the Joint Global Strike Operations Center, comprising more than 33,700 professionals. Weapons systems under Air Force Global Strike Command included all U.S. Air Force intercontinental ballistic missiles and bomber aircraft, UH-1N helicopters, E-4B National Airborne Operations Center aircraft, and the U.S. Air Force NC3 weapons system.

Bussiere is a command pilot with more than 3,400 hours in the T-38 Talon, F-15C Eagle, B-2A Spirit, B-1B Lancer, and F-22 Raptor. He led F-15C combat missions during Operations Southern Watch and Vigilant Warrior, as well as B-2 combat missions during Operations Allied Force and Iraqi Freedom. Previous assignments included deputy director for nuclear, homeland defense, and current operations on the Joint Staff; inspector general at Headquarters Air Force Global Strike Command; advanced programs division at Headquarters Air Combat Command; and deputy chief of staff for Multi-National Force-Iraq. Bussiere also commanded the 325th Bomb Squadron, 13th Bomb Squadron, 509th Operations Group, and the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. His command experience included service as commander of Alaskan Command, United States Northern Command; commander of Eleventh Air Force, Pacific Air Forces; and commander of the Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command Region.

Bussiere is a distinguished graduate of Air Force ROTC from Norwich University and a graduate of the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies and the U.S. Army War College Advanced Strategic Arts Program. He holds a Master of Military Operational Art and Science degree from Air Command and Staff College and a Master of Airpower Art and Science degree from the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies, both at Air University. Bussiere has returned to Norwich University to share his experiences with students, including delivering keynote addresses at commissioning ceremonies, where he discussed the foundation Norwich provided, the values that shaped his career, and the responsibility of leadership in the military.

Throughout his career, Bussiere advocated for modernization within the Air Force, particularly regarding the bomber fleet, and oversaw stewardship of America's nuclear deterrent and strategic assets. He supported the B-21 Raider program, a next-generation stealth bomber designed to maintain the United States' edge in strategic airpower. His military service includes several awards and decorations, such as the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, and Bronze Star Medal. Bussiere's retirement marked the conclusion of a 39-year career spanning from the Cold War to the modern era of strategic deterrence and nuclear security.