Capt. Christopher Gilbertson
Captain, United States Navy
01 December 2020
A native of Minnesota, Capt. Chris Gilbertson enlisted in the Navy in 1988 and served as an Interior Communications Electrician aboard USS San Francisco (SSN 711) until 1993. Selected for the Enlisted Education Advancement Program and subsequently the Enlisted Commissioning Program, he attended Hawaii Pacific University and the University of Minnesota, graduating in 1998 with a Bachelor in Electrical Engineering.
Afloat, Gilbertson completed his division officer tours aboard the destroyers USS Barry (DDG 52) and USS Briscoe (DD 977). Both department head tours were aboard USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) as the Weapons Officer and Combat Systems Officer. During these sea tours he made two deployments to the Arabian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch and Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom, and two deployments to the Baltic Sea in support of BALTOPS 2002 and 2006. Subsequently, he served as Executive Officer and fleeted up to Commanding Officer in MCM crew Reaper, commanding USS Champion (MCM 4), USS Devastator (MCM 6), and USS Gladiator (MCM 11). As Executive Officer and Commanding Officer in USS Mason (DDG 87) from 2014-2017, he deployed twice in support of Fifth and Sixth Fleets. Mason's crew, after a superbly successful combat deployment in 2016, earned the Battle E, Unit Tactics Award, Combat Action Ribbon, and the Battenburg Cup. Subsequently, he commanded Naval Surface Squadron FIVE, ADCON commander of 14 forward deployed PCs and MCMs in Bahrain and Class Advocate for all Patrol Coastal ships. He most recently assumed duties as Commander, COMDESRON 50 / CTF 55 forward deployed in Bahrain.
Ashore, Gilbertson served as the Sealift Team Chief at USTRANSCOM in the Strategy, Policy, Programs, and Logistics Directorate. He holds a Master’s Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies, completed the Maritime Advanced Warfare School curriculum and Joint Professional Military Education Phase I and II, and is a Joint Qualified Officer.
Gilbertson’s personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star (with V), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (with Gold Star), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (with Gold Star) and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (with Silver Star), as well as multiple unit and service awards.