Commander Johnson was born in Seattle, Washington. He later moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where he graduated from Tolleson Union High School in 1988. He graduated with distinction from the U.S. Naval academy in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science.
Following graduation, Commander Johnson attended Surface Warfare Officer School and Engineering Officers of the Watch School in San Diego, California. In February 1993, he reported to USS COWPENS (CG 63), homeported in San Diego, California. Serving as Repair Officer and Communications Officer, he participated in Operation DESERT STORM / SOUTHERN WATCH in the Arabian Gulf, and also completed a deployment to the Western Pacific.
In October 1995, Commander Johnson was selected for transfer into the Cryptologic (now Information Warfare) community and was officially redesignated in January 1996. After attending the Cryptologic Division Officer Course in Pensacola, Florida, he reported to Naval Security Group Activity Pearl Harbor, Hawaii in August 1996. He served as Fleet Electronic Support Department Head and Operations Officer. During his tour, he deployed onboard USS WILLIAM H. BATES (SSN 680) and qualified as a submarine cryptologic direct support officer.
After graduating in September 2001 with a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School, Commander Johnson reported to the Naval Information Warfare Activity, where he served as the Advanced Projects Assistant Department Head and Program Manager for development of new Command & Control and Information Warfare systems.
From December 2004 to December 2006, Commander Johnson served as Deputy Information Warfare Commander for Carrier Strike Group FIVE / Task Force SEVEN-ZERO, forward deployed onboard USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63) in Yokosuka, Japan. He completed five deployments in support of numerous joint and combined exercises.
From January 2007 to January 2010, Commander Johnson served at National Security Agency / Central Security Service Hawaii as a Joint Operation Department Head. He was responsible for all Signals Intelligence analysis and reporting in support of the Pacific Command's highest priority intelligence requirements.
Commander Johnson served as the Chief of Information Operations on the U.S. SECOND Fleet staff in Norfolk, Virginia from February 2010 to September 2011. He assumed command of Navy Expeditionary Intelligence Command on November 18, 2011.
Commander Johnson's personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards).