Executive Officer
Cmdr. David M. Christenson
Cmdr. David M. Christenson is a native of Virginia Beach, Virginia and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2009. He was designated a naval aviator in 2010. He graduated from the United States Naval War College with a Master of Arts in Defense and Strategic Studies in 2020.
He has completed two operational maritime patrol and reconnaissance tours, deploying multiple times to the 5th, 6th, and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility (AORs) in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, Inherent Resolve, and Sea Guardian. He served with the "Tridents" of Patrol Squadron (VP) 26 as a junior officer and the "Fighting Marlins" as a department head.
Afloat, he served as the Flag Lieutenant to Commander, Carrier Strike Group ELEVEN in Everett, WA.
His shore assignments include: fleet replacement squadron instructor pilot at VP-30; graduated the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.; and acted as the Assistant Washington Placement Officer in Millington, Tennessee at Naval Personnel Command.
As of June 2024, he has assumed the duties as XO of VP-30.
He has flown over 2,100 hours in the P-3C Orion & P-8A Poseidon aircrafts. His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (First Strike/Flight Award), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals (4), and various other unit citations and campaign medals. He was awarded the 2017 Maritime Patrol Association’s Instructor Pilot of the year Award. He is most thankful for his loving family and the support they always provide him.