Rear Adm. Bob Christian is a native of New Orleans, LA and graduated from Louisiana Tech University with a degree in Communications in 1987. He earned the Master of Divinity degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in New Orleans, LA in 1989 and the Doctor of Ministry degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Forth Worth, TX in 1996. For eleven years he served as the senior pastor for several churches before joining the Navy in September of 2000.
Rear Adm. Christian completed accession training in Rhode Island and North Carolina before reporting for duty with the 1ST Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, CA in December of 2000.
In 2002 he deployed to Okinawa, Japan as the 31st MEU’s Battalion Landing Team Chaplain aboard USS ESSEX (LHD-2). In April of 2003 he reported to NAS Corpus Christi, TX as an installation and Training Wing Four Chaplain. In May of 2006, he reported for duty aboard USS JAN JACINTO (CG-56) and deployed in November 2007 with the HARRY S TRUMAN Carrier Strike Group. He detached in May of 2009, attended the Intermediate Leadership Course in Newport, RI and then reported for duty as the Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic Chaplain with additional duties as the Deputy Chaplain for COMNAVAIRLANT. In February of 2012, he reported to the SURFLANT Ministry Center in Norfolk for a Commander Milestone assignment where he served as the Director until August 2014. Between assignments he completed the Advanced Leadership Course in Columbia, SC as well as the Maritime Staff Operators Course in Newport, RI. In September of 2014, he reported to U.S. Fleet Forces Command in Norfolk, VA where he served as the CTF 80 Training and Certification Chaplain. In October of 2015, he assumed responsibilities as the 3d Marine Logistics Group Chaplain, stationed in Okinawa, Japan. In April of 2018, he reported to 2d Marine Expeditionary Force in Camp Lejeune, NC for a Captain Milestone assignment. In May of 2021, he reported to the Pentagon for duties as the Director of Operations and then Executive Assistant to the Chief of Navy Chaplains. In August of 2024, he reported for duties as the Fleet Chaplain for US Fleet Forces Command. Rear Adm. Christian assumed his current duties as the 22nd Chaplain of the Marine Corps and Deputy Chief of Navy Chaplains in July 2026.
His awards include the Legion of Merit (3rd award), Meritorious Service Medal (3rd award), the Navy Commendation Medal (7th award) and the Navy Achievement Medal (2nd award).