TW6 R.C. Leadership

Reserve Program Director

Commander Christopher Kucala, a native of Stafford, Virginia, graduated from the University of Virginia in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering and earned his commission through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC). He completed flight training at Naval Air Station Whiting Field and earned his wings of gold from Helicopter Training Squadron TWO EIGHT (HT‑28) in July 2010.

Commander Kucala completed Fleet Replacement Squadron training in the MH‑60S Knighthawk helicopter with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron TWO (HSC‑2) in Norfolk, Virginia, and subsequently reported to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron TWO SIX (HSC‑26) in 2011. While assigned to HSC‑26, he served as Squadron Assistant Operations Officer, Detachment Operations Officer, Maintenance Division Officer, and Legal Officer. During this tour, he deployed twice to U.S. FIFTH Fleet in support of logistics, combat logistics, and utility missions.

Following his first operational sea tour, Commander Kucala reported to Training Squadron TWO EIGHT (VT‑28) as a Primary Flight Instructor, where he served as the Squadron Standardization Officer. At the conclusion of this tour, he was selected for the Training and Administration of the Reserves (TAR) program. He transitioned to TAR in February 2017 and reported to Training Squadron THREE (VT‑3), serving as the Operations Officer and Reserve Department Head.

In 2019, Commander Kucala reported to Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command, where he served as the Assistant Inspector General until December 2020. In January 2021, he assumed duties as Flag Secretary and Administrative Deputy Chief of Staff, serving in that role until July 2022. He then assumed command of Navy Reserve Center Salt Lake City in September 2022 and completed a successful command tour in January 2026.

Following command, Commander Kucala reported to Training Air Wing SIX in February 2026, where he serves as the Reserve Program Director.

Commander Kucala's personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (with Gold Star), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (with Gold Star), and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (with Gold Star), along with multiple unit and service awards.