After 30 years of service in the United States Navy at home and overseas, Capt. John "Buz" Sorce bid farewell to his students and coworkers at a retirement ceremony Friday. But given the chance to trade places with one of his midshipmen, Sorce said he would do it all over again.
"You meet a lot of great people that share common values and have great work ethics," Sorce said. "And you make outstanding friendships."
As the 10th Commanding Officer of the Mid-South since 2009, Sorce has been in charge of the staff and about 50 naval students at The U of M and the University of Mississippi.
Lt. Derek Hopp, U of M assistant professor of naval science, described Sorce as energetic, enthusiastic and motivating.
"He's just been a real inspiration through his enthusiasm for the Navy and for leading naval officers and sailors," Hopp said.
Sorce's job at The U of M is to ensure ROTC students are ready for commissions and to serve as junior officers in the Navy and Marine Corps upon graduating. But before coming to The U of M, the Memphis native traveled far past the city's borders during his naval career.
As a Surface Warfare Officer, Sorce served on several different vessels and commanded two — the cruiser USS Cowpens in Japan and the destroyer USS Hopper in Pearl Harbor, Haw.
"I really enjoyed manning ships, taking them to sea, executing missions and visiting ports," Sorce said. "I really liked the adventure."
Later, he served as the Executive Assistant to the Commander in Millington, Tenn., and then Deputy of Surface Ships at the Pentagon before coming to The U of M.
Sorce also served as an action officer in the psychological warfare branch of the Joint Staff, where he did work for mostly Latin American operations and ensured forces were within policies, and served in the Navy Staff as the Surface Warfare Officer community manager where he tracked all facets of the jobs of over 5,000 people.
Sorce has received the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Meritorious Service Medal, Joint and Navy Commendation Medals and other various campaign and service decorations for his efforts, but he said his career offered him so much more than these honors and titles.
Brandon McAuley, sophomore criminal justice major and Navy ROTC midshipman, said Sorce's contribution to The U of M program has not gone unnoticed.
"He's set an example of what we're trying to be," McAuley said. "He's guided us along the way, answered questions and motivated us to be the best we can."
Sorce said he'll miss watching students develop and grow, but is ready for retirement.
"I'm looking forward to trying something new," Sorce said. "However, I don't know what that's going to be just yet."
