A native of Vancouver, Washington, Captain Christie received his commission in 1994 from the U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was designated a Naval Aviator in 1997.

Christie's operational assignments include tours with Strike Fighter Squadron 137 (VFA-137) as a junior officer, with Strike Fighter Squadron 2 (VFA-2) as a training officer, and Strike Fighter Squadron 22 (VFA-22) as a Department Head. He has completed seven deployments aboard various ships to include the USS Constellation (CV 64), USS Lincoln (CVN 72), USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), and USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Christie has logged over 3,800 flight hours and has accumulated more than 840 carrier-arrested landings. He commanded Strike Fighter Squadron 154 (VFA-154) operationally, based out of NAS Lemoore.

His shore assignments include instructor pilot with Strike Fighter Squadron 122 (VFA-122); Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor with Strike Fighter Weapons School Pacific; lead strategist for Shia insurgent reconciliation, Force Strategic Engagement Cell, Multi-National Force Iraq (MNF-I); Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center N7 Department Head (TOPGUN) and N5 Department Head (STRIKE). In addition, he commanded Strike Fighter Squadron 101 (VFA-101), the Navy's first F-35C Fleet Replacement Squadron, and he was responsible for the pre-commissioning detachment that re-established VFA-125 as NAS Lemoore's F-35C FRS.

For graduate education, Christie attended the United States Navy War College, where he earned a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies. He is the 2005 Strike Fighter Wing Pacific Leadership Award recipient. His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), Strike Flight Air Medals (three awards), Navy Commendation Medals (two awards), Navy Achievement Medals (two awards) and numerous other campaign and unit awards.
 

Last Updated: 23 December 2020