Captain Christopher J. Bushnell
Deputy Commodore (July 2012 - January 2014) |
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Captain Chris Bushnell is a native of Westminster, California. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science in Oceanography and Physics.
Captain Bushnell has served in Cruisers, Destroyers and Frigates in both the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets. His first sea duty assignment was
as Main Engines Officer, Fire Control Officer and Ship’s Maintenance and Material Officer on USS ENGLAND (CG 22). Following graduation from Surface Warfare Officers School Department Head Course, he completed assignments as Engineer Officer in USS GALLERY (FFG 26), USS NORMANDY (CG 60), and a two year assignment as Gas Turbine Inspector for the CINCLANTFLT Propulsion Examining Board (PEB). Subsequent sea tours include Executive Officer in USS STUMP (DD 978) and Commanding Officer in USS PAUL HAMILTON (DDG 60). Under his command, PAUL HAMILTON earned Commander, Destroyer Squadron TWENTY-ONE’s Battle Effectiveness Award for calendar year 2007, as well as two consecutive COMPACFLT Golden Anchor Awards for Retention Excellence.
While ashore, Captain Bushnell completed a three year tour on the OPNAV staff as the Congressional Liaison for the Director of Surface Warfare (OPNAV N76). Following command of USS PAUL HAMILTON, he served as Chairman of the Seamanship and Navigation Department at the United States Naval Academy, and most recently completed a 22 month assignment on the Joint Staff, working in the Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate (J5), Combating Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) Division.
Captain Bushnell holds a Masters Degree in Systems Technology – Joint Command, Control and Communication (JC3) from the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA. He is a distinguished graduate from the Naval War College, where he was awarded a Master of Arts Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies. While at the War College, he was the United States representative in the Naval Staff College along with Naval Officers from 31 others countries from around the world. He is also a graduate of the Joint and Combined War-fighting School at the Joint Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Virginia, where he completed JPME Phase II.
Captain Bushnell reported for duty as Deputy Commodore, Destroyer Squadron THREE ONE in July 2012.
Captain Bushnell has been awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3 awards), Navy Commendation Medal (five awards), and the Navy Achievement Medal (three awards), as well as various unit and campaign awards.