Rear Adm. Christopher Engdahl is a native of South Bend, Indiana and the son of a Navy chaplain. He is a 1990 graduate of the United States Naval Academy where he earned a Bachelor of Science in History. He completed Naval Nuclear Power training and earned a Master of Science in National Strategic Studies from the Naval War College.

His initial sea tour was as damage control assistant onboard USS California (CGN 36). Subsequent sea tours include duties as nuclear quality assurance officer and reactor training assistant on USS Nimitz (CVN 68), operations officer on USS Fletcher (DD 992), executive officer onboard USS Rentz (FFG 46),commanding officer on USS Elrod (FFG 55), Commander, Destroyer Squadron Nine, and Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 7.  During these tours, he deployed numerous times, participated in countless exercises and had the greatest fortune to lead Sailors and Marines at sea.

Ashore he served as department head instructor, steam engineering directorate at the Surface Warfare School Command, Newport Rhode Island and as a strategic planner for the War on Terrorism Directorate on the Joint Staff (J5).  He also served as director for Surface Nuclear Programs at Navy Personnel Command Millington, Tennessee, executive assistant to the Deputy Chief of Naval Personnel, chief of staff to Commander, Naval Surface Forces Pacific and president, Board of Inspection and Survey.

In July 2022, he assumed his current position as the 58th Commander of Naval Safety Command.

His personal awards include the Legion of Merit (five awards), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards) and various unit and campaign awards.

Last Updated: 20 March 2024