A native of Easton, Pennsylvania, Cmdr. Joseph Bubulka enlisted in the Navy in 1994. In 2002, he was selected for the STA-21 commissioning program and attended the University of North Florida. In 2005, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and was commissioned. Bubulka earned a Master of Science degree in Systems Engineering Analysis from the Naval Postgraduate School.

At sea, Bubulka served aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63); as communications officer aboard USS Mobile Bay (CG 53); assistant damage control assistant aboard USS Essex (LHD 2); operations officer of MCM Crew Reaper aboard USS Dextrous (MCM 13); executive officer aboard USS Sentry (MCM 3). His most recent assignment was aboard USS Sentry (MCM 3) as the commanding officer.

Ashore, he served as operations officer at Combined Joint Interagency Task Force 435 and current operations surface desk for Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Bubulka’s current assignment is executive officer of USS Montgomery (LCS 8) Blue Crew.

His awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (five awards) and various unit and service awards.