John N. Christenson
Encyclopedia
John N. Christenson is a rear admiral in the United States Navy
and currently the 53rd President of the United States Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island
.
in March 1993, earning his master's degree in National Security and Strategic Studies. He was also a Navy Federal Executive Fellow at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.
, 2009 - 2011. He also served as the anti-submarine warfare officer. Ashore, he commanded the Surface Warfare Officers School in Newport, and as a new flag officer he served as Commander Naval Mine and Anti-submarine Warfare Command, Corpus Christi. He also served at the U.S. Naval Academy as a company officer, celestial navigation instructor, assistant varsity soccer coach and member of the admissions board; at Headquarters, United States Marine Corps
in the Strategic Initiatives Group; on the Joint Staff, J5 and as executive assistant to the assistant chairman. Rear Admiral Christenson became the 53nd President of the Naval War College
on March 30, 2011.
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
and currently the 53rd President of the United States Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport is a city on Aquidneck Island in Newport County, Rhode Island, United States, about south of Providence. Known as a New England summer resort and for the famous Newport Mansions, it is the home of Salve Regina University and Naval Station Newport which houses the United States Naval War...
.
Education and Family
The fourth of six sons of a Navy Skyraider pilot and a Navy nurse, he graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1981. He graduated with distinction and first in his class from the Naval War CollegeNaval War College
The Naval War College is an education and research institution of the United States Navy that specializes in developing ideas for naval warfare and passing them along to officers of the Navy. The college is located on the grounds of Naval Station Newport in Newport, Rhode Island...
in March 1993, earning his master's degree in National Security and Strategic Studies. He was also a Navy Federal Executive Fellow at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.
Naval Career
At sea, he commanded USS McClusky (FFG 41); Destroyer Squadron 21 in USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74); and Carrier Strike Group 12, the USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Strike Group and served as President, Board of Inspection and SurveyBoard of Inspection and Survey
The Board of Inspection and Survey is a U.S. Navy organization whose purpose is to inspect and assess material condition of Naval vessels.The Board is currently headquartered at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Virginia.- INSURV teams :...
, 2009 - 2011. He also served as the anti-submarine warfare officer. Ashore, he commanded the Surface Warfare Officers School in Newport, and as a new flag officer he served as Commander Naval Mine and Anti-submarine Warfare Command, Corpus Christi. He also served at the U.S. Naval Academy as a company officer, celestial navigation instructor, assistant varsity soccer coach and member of the admissions board; at Headquarters, United States Marine Corps
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
in the Strategic Initiatives Group; on the Joint Staff, J5 and as executive assistant to the assistant chairman. Rear Admiral Christenson became the 53nd President of the Naval War College
President of the Naval War College
The President of the Naval War College is a flag officer in the United States Navy. The President's House is his official residence.Since the Korean War, all presidents of the Naval War College have been vice admirals or rear admirals.-Presidents:...
on March 30, 2011.
Decorations and Medals
Christenson has been awarded the following:
Defense Superior Service MedalDefense Superior Service MedalThe Defense Superior Service Medal is a senior United States military decoration of the Department of Defense, awarded to members of the United States armed forces who perform "superior meritorious service in a position of significant responsibility."...
Legion of MeritLegion of MeritThe Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements...
(five awards)
Meritorious Service MedalMeritorious Service Medal (United States)The Meritorious Service Medal is a military decoration presented to members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguished themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the United States subsequent to January 16, 1969...
(two awards)
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (five awards)
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal