North Bergen Native Supports U.S. Navy’s Global Communications Mission

Petty Officer 1st Class Christopher Bula, a North Bergen, New Jersey native, currently serves in the U.S. Navy’s Strategic Communications Wing One in Oklahoma City, supporting the Navy’s “Take Charge and Move Out” (TACAMO) mission.

Bula graduated from North Bergen High School in 2008 and joined the Navy 17 years ago to pursue interests in aviation and travel. His service has taken him to countries including the Philippines, Singapore, Japan, Israel, Italy, and Kuwait.

Assigned to Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Three (VQ-3), Bula works as an aviation maintenance administrationman. The unit plays a critical role in the TACAMO mission, which provides airborne communication links to U.S. Strategic Command’s nuclear missile units. Though based on an Air Force facility in a landlocked state, the squadron’s location enables rapid global deployment.

Bula reflected on his decision to leave North Bergen to seek new experiences. “A lot of people in my hometown love being there and stay there for most of their lives,” he said. “I chose a different path because I wanted to explore different options away from home.”

Among his most notable assignments, Bula cited a deployment to Afghanistan from August 2011 to May 2012. “Hearing about the war and actually being there gave me a better impression of what it’s really like,” he said. “Also, being with the Army, while still serving in the Navy, was a totally different experience.”

Bula values the diversity he has encountered throughout his service. “Serving in the Navy means getting exposed to people from all different types of backgrounds and from all different parts of the world,” he said.

He expressed appreciation for the support he has received from family. “I want to send a shoutout to my brother, Hector Hidalgo,” Bula said. “He’s always been proud of my service and given me good advice. I’m also thankful to my parents, Julio and Maria Bula, and my sister, Shaeyla, for their support.”