Lt. Cmdr. Christopher D. Ayala, a native of Wayne, Michigan, attended Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois, in 1992 and completed Aerographer’s Mate “A” School in 1993 and “C” School in 1999. He completed his Bachelor of Arts in Geoscience and Mathematics from Thomas Edison College in 2004 and earned a Master of Science in Physical Oceanography and Meteorology from the Naval Postgraduate School.

Originally commissioned as a limited duty officer in 2008, Ayala was redesignated as a meteorological and oceanographic officer in 2014.

His operational sea tours include serving as oceanographer for Amphibious Force U.S. 7th Fleet staff in Okinawa, Japan while embarked aboard USS Bonhomme Richard (LHA 6), USS Wasp (LHD 1) and USS Boxer (LHD 4); leading chief petty officer of the weather division aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) in Yokosuka, Japan; and weather observer aboard USS Tarawa (LHA 1) in San Diego.

Ayala’s shore assignments include serving as aviation operations officer at the Fleet Weather Center San Diego; curriculum development manager and oceanographic instructor at Fleet Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Center San Diego; and leading forecaster at the Joint Typhoon Warning Center, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and at Naval Air Facility El Centro, California.

He reported as executive officer of Information Warfare Training Command Monterey, California, in February 2020.

A qualified information warfare officer and Master Training Specialist, Ayala was runner-up for Naval Education and Training Command Officer Instructor of the Year (2010). His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (eight awards) and various campaign, unit and service awards.

Last Updated: 14 October 2020