Christopher C. French is a retired United States Navy rear admiral who last served as the 46th Judge Advocate General of the Navy from September 5, 2024, to January 1, 2025. He served as the Deputy Judge Advocate General of the Navy from 2021 to 2024. A career judge advocate, French was commissioned into the Navy via the JAG Corps Student Program in 1992, graduating from the University of New Hampshire in 1990, the Villanova University School of Law in 1993 and from the Georgetown University Law Center with an L.L.M. degree in 2004.
Early life and education French was born in Albany, New York. He graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 1990. French was commissioned through the Judge Advocate General's Corps Student Program in 1992, graduating in 1993 from the Villanova University School of Law. He later earned a Master of Laws from Georgetown University Law Center in 2004.
Naval and JAG Career At sea, French served as the fleet judge advocate to Commander, U.S. Seventh Fleet; staff judge advocate to Commander, Carrier Strike Group FIVE; and legal officer, aboard USS Nimitz (CVN-68).
His other assignments include legal counsel, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; staff judge advocate, U.S. European Command; deputy legal advisor to the U.S. National Security Council; special counsel to the Chief of Naval Operations; commanding officer, U.S. Region Legal Service Office, Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia; chief of Operational Law, Multi-National Forces, Iraq; deputy legal counsel, Office of the Legal Counsel to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; assistant force judge advocate, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Europe; staff judge advocate, Naval Special Warfare Development Group. French began his legal career first as a trial counsel and later as the senior defense counsel at Naval Legal Service Office, Middle Pacific, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
He was promoted to rear admiral (lower half) on 31 July 2018, and rear admiral on 1 August 2021.
In May 2024, French was nominated for promotion to vice admiral and assignment as Judge Advocate General of the Navy. He was promoted and assumed office in September 2024. In December 2024, French submitted for voluntary retirement in the rank of rear admiral, only three months after assuming office; his retirement took effect on January 1, 2025.
Awards and decorations
Defense Superior Service Medal with three bronze oak leaf clustersLegion of Merit with two gold award starsBronze StarDefense Meritorious Service MedalMeritorious Service Medal with gold award starJoint Service Commendation MedalNavy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with gold award starJoint Meritorious Unit Award with bronze oak leaf clusterNavy Unit Commendation with bronze service starNational Defense Service Medal with bronze service starArmed Forces Expeditionary MedalIraq Campaign Medal with bronze service starGlobal War on Terrorism Service MedalNavy and Marine Corps Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with three bronze service starNavy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon with three bronze service starsNavy Rifle Marksmanship RibbonNavy Pistol Marksmanship RibbonCommand Ashore insigniaOffice of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification BadgePresidential Service Badge
Effective dates of promotions + Insignia Rank DateEnsignN/ALieutenant (junior grade)N/ALieutenantN/ALieutenant commanderN/ACommanderN/ACaptainN/ARear admiral (lower half)31 July 2018Rear Admiral1 August 2021Vice Admiral5 September 2024
References