Lieutenant Colonel Jamie W. Bunce was born and raised in Arvada, Colorado and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in May 2009. Upon completion of The Basic School, he completed Naval Flight Training in Pensacola, FL and Corpus Christi, TX and was designated a Naval Aviator in June 2012.
After completing initial MV-22B Osprey training with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Training Squadron 204, First Lieutenant Bunce reported to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 163 (VMM-163) aboard MCAS Miramar, CA in January 2013. With the “Evil Eyes” he served as the Civil Affairs Officer. In April 2013, he reported to VMM-165 where he served in billets such as Schedule Writer, Civil Affairs Officer, Communications Officer, Logistics Officer, Pilot Training Officer, and Operations Officer. During his tour, Captain Bunce graduated from the Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course at Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One and deployed with the squadron three times in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM 13.2 and Operation INHERENT RESOLVE with SPMAGTF-Crisis Response-Central Command 15.2 and 17.1.
In 2017 Captain Bunce was selected to join Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1), MCAF Quantico, VA. Over the next three years he served in billets such as Schedule Writer, Ground Support Equipment Officer in Charge, MV-22 Standardization Officer, and White House Liaison Officer. During his time at HMX-1, Captain Bunce supported 4 overseas and 22 domestic Presidential, Vice Presidential, and head of state missions.
In August 2020, Major Bunce reported to Marine Aircraft Group 24 aboard MCAS Kaneohe Bay, HI for duty with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363. He served in billets such as Director of Safety and Standardization, Operations Officer, and Aircraft Maintenance Officer, deploying with the “Lucky Red Lions” to Darwin, Australia in support of Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 21.3.
In May 2022, he was selected to serve as Aide-de-Camp to the Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific (MARFORPAC). After completing his tour at MARFORPAC, Major Bunce returned to MAG-24 and assumed the duties of Executive Officer of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268, deploying the squadron to Darwin, Australia in support of Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 24.3.
In June of 2024, he reported to Headquarters Marine Corps, Aviation Department where he assumed the Vertical Takeoff and Landing Family of Systems Requirements portfolio.
Lieutenant Colonel Bunce is a graduate of the Expeditionary Warfare School, the MAWTS-1 Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course, the Marine Corps Command and Staff College, and Marshall University where he holds a Master's Degree in Leadership Studies.
Lieutenant Colonel Bunce has logged over 2,200 mishap-free flight hours, primarily in the MV-22B Osprey. His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (Gold Star in Lieu of Second Award), Air Medal – Strike/Flight Numeral “5”, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (Gold Star in Lieu of Second Award), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. Additionally, he is authorized to wear the Presidential Service Badge.
Lieutenant Colonel Bunce and his wife have 5 wonderful children.