Captain Bruce Bole USN (Ret.) was born in Atsugi Japan and raised in Miami Lakes Florida. He attended the U.S. Naval Academy graduating with a degree in Operations Analysis. He received his commission upon graduation and was ordered to flight training receiving his designation as a Naval Aviator in 1980. Captain Bole served in several squadron including the Fleet Replacement Squadron (VS-41) in San Diego California where he served as Pilot Standardization Officer. Captain Bole served as Assistant Navigator of the USS Midway. Captain Bole was then ordered to the Air Force’s Command and Staff College graduating with distinction. He also received a master’s degree in Political Science from Auburn University. Captain Bole then reported to VS-32 where he served as Operations Officer. On 20 February 1991, during Operation Desert Storm he became the first S-3 pilot to successfully engage and destroy a hostile surface vessel. He then reported to Strike Fighter Wings Atlantic where he was the Operations Officer for all the F-18/S-3 aircraft on the East Coast. He served as Executive Officer of VS-27 and VS-31 with a follow-on tour of Commanding Officer of VS-31. Captain Bole was also the Head of Major Joint Staff Placement for the Navy in Washington DC. He then served as Deputy Commandant of the U.S. Naval Academy with a follow-on tour as the Commanding Officer of the Naval Academy Preparatory School. He also served as Senior U.S. Officer at the Naval Command College in Newport R.I. where he earned a master’s degree in International Security Affairs. His last tour in the Navy was Operations Officer for Navy Region Southeast. Captain Bole retired with over 4000 flight hours and 900 successful carrier landings. He flew 43 missions in support of Operation Desert Storm. He retired from the Navy with three Legions of Merit, four Meritorious Services Medals and four individual Air Medals with Combat “V” for valor. Captain Bole is a published author in several military publications.
Since retiring from the Navy Bruce has worked for a Native American and an Alaskan Native Corporation specializing in Defense Contracting. Bruce has three fantastic daughters that all live locally at the beaches. He is extremely honored and proud to serve on the Atlantic Beach City Commission.