Major Jamie W. Bunce was born and raised in Arvada, Colorado and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in May 2009, earning his Commission as a Second Lieutenant. 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 volunteered to join VMM-165 in preparation for their upcoming deployment in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. With the “White Knights” 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. He 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. During these deployments, Captain Bunce flew in support of combat operations in numerous named missions in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. In 2015, he completed Expeditionary Warfare School and in 2017 he graduated from Marshall University with a Master’s degree in Leadership Studies.
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. With HMX-1, he was deployed to various locations around the world in support of travel of the President of the United States, Senators, Congressmen, and various Department of Defense VIPs. In 2020, he completed the Marine Corps Command and Staff College Distance Education Program.
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. He deployed with the “Lucky Red Lions” to Darwin, Australia in support of Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 21.2 supporting numerous exercises contributing to the strengthening of the US-Australia alliance.
In May of 2022, he was selected to serve as Aide-de-Camp to the Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific (MARFORPAC). In this role, he traveled extensively across the INDOPACIFIC theater, coordinating General Officer engagements with US Government personnel, HQMC and INDOPACOM leadership, and Foreign Partners and Governments worldwide. After completing his tour at MARFORPAC, Major Bunce returned to MAG-24 and assumed his current duties as the Executive Officer of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268.
Major Bunce has logged over 1,900 mishap-free flight hours, primarily in the MV-22B Osprey where he holds every tactical and flight designation qualification. 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, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. Additionally, he is authorized to wear the Presidential Service Badge.
Major Bunce and his wife, Sidney, have 5 wonderful children.