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Award for Excellence in Service
In honor of
William L. “Buff” Crowell ll
The Award for Excellence in Service is dedicated to the memory of LCDR William “Buff” Crowell II, USN (Ret.), who passed away in April 2021. Buff’s legacy lives on through his lifelong commitment to the TACAMO Community, both as an active-duty Naval Officer and a defense contractor.
Throughout his distinguished career, Buff developed a profound respect and admiration for the Navy’s Chief Petty Officers, especially those within the TACAMO Community. His service, however, was not solely defined by titles, promotions, or awards. While naval careers are often marked by tangible achievements such as command, advancements, and degrees, Buff’s career was distinguished by his unwavering dedication to others, long after his retirement in 1994.
Although he departed active duty over two decades ago, Buff remained deeply involved with the TACAMO mission, continuing to give his heart and soul to the community. His greatest contribution was in keeping the TACAMO community connected—personally and professionally. For over twenty-seven years, Buff devoted countless hours to reaching out to Shipmates in the Wardroom, the Chiefs’ Mess, deck-plate Sailors, and, most importantly, their families.
Buff’s kindness was a constant presence. He sent thoughtful messages on Veterans Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, and the CPO’s Birthday. He sent congratulatory notes for promotions and advancements. Each message, whether an email, text, or letter, carried special meaning and a sincere personal touch. He showed up in meaningful ways—attending a widow’s son’s promotion ceremony or delivering gifts to spouses and children of Shipmates. Though many of his acts of kindness remain private, they are cherished memories for those who received them.
The purpose of the Award for Excellence in Service is to honor Buff’s enduring impact on the lives of so many. His positive nature, passion for the Navy, and dedication to Sailors inspired those around him to be their best. He motivated others to keep moving forward in the face of adversity, opened new paths for contributing to the community, and created lasting bonds between Shipmates.
Recipients of the Award for Excellence in Service embody the spirit of Buff Crowell. They are individuals who, through their community service, make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, just as Buff did.
William L. “Buff” Crowell ll
William “Buff” Crowell was a proud Navy pilot that served our country, his family, the TACAMO community, and his local community in many capacities.
Buff graduated from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy in 1980. After attending Navy flight training in Pensacola, FL, and Corpus Christi, TX he earned his Wings of Gold then attended C-130 training in Little Rock, AR. He subsequently joined the “Ironman” of VQ-3 in 1982 flying the EC-130 aircraft in support of the TACAMO mission. He went on to serve in several other roles including as a Navy Recruiter then another TACAMO tour in VQ-4. After being stationed with the Naval Reserve unit at Andrews AFB, Buff retired as a Lieutenant Commander in 2001.
His heart remained with TACAMO and he continued to serve the community as a contractor. During this time he continued to exude his warfighter spirit and volunteered to be the Northrop-Grumman site lead at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan supporting a USAF air mission as part of Operation Enduring Freedom from June through September 2011. Overall his experience and knowledge were key in the TACAMO community’s successful transition to the E-6 aircraft. Buff is also credited as one of the original founding members of the TCVA which has served Sailors over the course of TACAMO history.
Buff was a beloved husband, father, and friend to many. He unexpectedly passed away on April 3, 2021. At his memorial and afterward, numerous stories of unspoken acts of kindness emerged. This legacy of unselfish kindness and service is what the Award of Excellence and Service will memorialize in Buff’s name.
