HMS Puncher

Military experience

Lieutenant Chris Stevens was born in Weymouth, Dorset and educated at Budmouth Technology College.

He joined the Royal Navy in 2004 as a Naval College Entry. On completion of initial training at Britannia Royal Naval College, he underwent common fleet training in HMS Liverpool conducting deployment preparations at Flag Officer Sea Training.

He then carried out his specialist fleet time in HMS St Albans in the Middle East on OP Telic. During this deployment he was involved in the evacuation of 240 entitled personnel from Lebanon during the crisis in 2006.

In May 2007, after completing professional training at HMS Collingwood he took up his first compliment appointment as the Gunnery Officer of HMS Mersey.

As part of the Fishery Protection Squadron, Chris qualified as a British Sea Fisheries Officer enforcing UK and EU legislation throughout UK waters.

In 2008 he was assigned as Gunnery Officer and Correspondence Officer of HMS Clyde. Whilst based in the Falkland Islands supporting British interests, he also had the opportunity to visit South Georgia.

In late 2009 he was appointed to HMS Westminster as the Senior Officer of the Watch. He joined the ship at the conclusion of refit, and remained onboard throughout her work up. Having successfully completed Fleet Navigating Officer Course in November 2010, he assumed the role of Navigator Officer in February 2011. Two days later the ship was ordered to sail to the Mediterranean in support of OP Ellamy and Defrence off the coast of Libya.

In 2012 the ship deployed on OP Kipion, conducted counter-piracy operations and as well as broader Middle East assurance. Chris assumed Command of HMS Puncher and London URNU in March 2013.

Chris lives in Bournemouth with his partner Maxine. He enjoys time with his friends and family, good food and absolutely everything to do with Formula 1.