USU Welcomes New Brigade Commander

Bids Farewell to Army Col. (Dr.) Jerome Buller

By Sarah Marshall

At a ceremony steeped in military pomp and circumstance, as well as humidity and scorching heat, the Uniformed Services University (USU) welcomed its new brigade commander, Navy Capt. (Dr.) Sean M. Hussey.

Hussey became USU’s top military leader during the June 19 ceremony – the very first to take place on the Naval Support Activity Bethesda’s parade field -- following the symbolic passing of the brigade’s guidon by outgoing commander Army Col. (Dr.) Jerome L. Buller.  Buller took command of the brigade in March 2016.  Despite temperatures rising into the upper 90s, several hundred USU faculty, staff and students attended the ceremony to welcome Hussey and bid farewell to Buller, who will be taking command as director of the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research in San Antonio.

Hussey most recently served as the surgeon for the First Marine Expeditionary Force in Camp Pendleton, Calif.  A trained pathologist, he brings experience serving in a number of leadership positions, frequently in joint settings, combined with experience in operational, academic, and clinical medicine.

It is a privilege to follow Buller, whose leadership was influential to the university, Hussey said during his remarks. He remarked that the USU is a special place and reminded attendees that he is no stranger to the university. More than a decade ago, as a staff pathologist at what was then the National Naval Medical Center, he became a hospital representative to USU’s faculty senate because he wanted to surround himself with the ‘”finest health care educators and students this country has to offer,” he said.

As the new brigade commander, Hussey will oversee more than 1,500 uniformed personnel assigned or attached to the University. Hussay said it is a privilege to work alongside those who have made the decision to sacrifice and commit themselves to care for America’s warfighters and their families.

“There is no higher honor,” he said. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the Uniformed Services University leadership and command the outstanding men and women of the brigade.  It is an honor to serve alongside such distinguished faculty and help shape the next generation of military and public health medical professionals.”

Buller, reminiscing on his time at the university, expressed his gratitude for the outpouring support from countless personnel and colleagues over the last two years, noting that he enjoyed getting to know so many individuals personally.

“While I always tried to inspire you as military students and officers, it was you who inspired me,” he said. “As I depart, USU gains a great leader in Capt. Sean Hussey. A solid clinician who is operationally savvy, and a trusted leader.”

USU’s President Dr. Richard W. Thomas wished Buller farewell, recognizing his many contributions to the university, as well as his commitment to supporting the core values of each service at the university.


“We all wish you and your family the very best of luck and I know that you are leaving men and women at USU and the brigade in the very capable hands of another outstanding leader, Capt. Sean Hussey,” Thomas said. “We’re thrilled to have you join the team here at USU, and I’m looking forward to working with you.”