
He graduated with distinction and first in his class from the Naval War College in March 1993, earning his master's degree in national security and strategic studies. Navy Douglas A-1 Skyraider pilot and a Navy nurse, Christenson graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1981. He was the 53rd President of the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island from March 2011 to July 2013. John Nels Christenson (born 1958 ) is a retired vice admiral in the United States Navy who last served as the United States Military Representative to the NATO Military Committee, in Brussels, Belgium.

Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (five awards).
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Defense Superior Service Medal (two awards).
