CDR Christopher Clevenger

Commanding Officer, USS Topeka

CDR Christopher Clevenger was born in Anaheim, California. He reported to the Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, and graduated in 2004 with a BS in Physics. After commissioning he attended the Naval War College in Newport, RI and graduated with a MA in National Security and Strategic Studies and was a member of the Halsey Alfa special studies group.

In October of 2004, CDR Clevenger began his nuclear training at Charleston, SC. After completing nuclear power school, he attended prototype at S8G in Ballston Spa, NY and then attended Submarine Officer Basic course in Groton, CT. CDR Clevenger reported to USS CHEYENNE (SSN-773) In January of 2006 for his first sea duty.

While on the USS CHEYENNE, CDR Clevenger served as the Damage Control Assistant, Communicator and Reactor Controls Assistant completing a six-month deployment to the 7th Fleet AOR. In January of 2012, he reported to the USS HENRY M. JACKSON (SSBN-730) as the NAVIGATOR where he conducted three strategic deterrent patrols. In July of 2017 he relieved as the Executive Officer on board USS SEAWOLF (SSN 21) completing her return to availability after a 39-month refit.

His shore tours include Destroyer Squadron Two Six out of Norfolk VA, Undersea Warfighting Development Center, Tactical Analysis Group out of Groton CT, Australian Submarine Force out of Perth, Western Australia, and Submarine Squadron 7 out of Pearl Harbor HI. He has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal with Gold Star, and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation medal, with two Gold Stars.