Derek Christian
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Rear Admiral Derek John Christian | |
|---|---|
 Christian (left) in 2001 | |
| Allegiance |  South Africa |
| Branch |  South African Navy |
| Service years | 1975–date |
| Rank | Rear Admiral |
| Commands |
|
| Awards |           |
Rear Admiral Derek Christian MMM LOM (USA)[1] is a South African Navy officer, currently serving as Deputy Chief of Joint Operations Division (Special Forces) since 1 April 2016. He is the former Director of Naval Logistics.
After completing school at Grey High School in Port Elizabeth, he joined the Navy in 1975. He completed a BMil degree at the Military Academy and then joined the Strike Craft flotilla before volunteering for submarines in 1980.[1]
He attended the US Naval War College from 1996 to 1997.[2] After returning to South Africa, he was appointed as the Naval Attaché in Washington.
He became the 17th Commandant of the South African Military Academy in 2006[3] and was promoted to rear admiral (junior grade) in May 2006.[4] In April 2009, he was posted to Naval Headquarters and assumed the post of Director Naval Logistics in 2011.[5]
He was appointed Deputy Chief of Joint Operations in April 2016 and appointed as the acting Chief of Joint Operations in October 2016.[6] As of 28 February 2017[update], he was due to retire.[7]
