Lieutenant Christopher Bonner graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy in 2007, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine and Environmental Science. He was first assigned to USCGC Diligence (WMEC-616) home ported in Wilmington, North Carolina as a Deck Watch Officer. Other duties included Weapons Officer, First Lieutenant, and Boarding Officer. In 2009, Lieutenant Bonner reported to USCGC Maple (WLB-207) and served as the Operations Officer until July 2011 when he was transferred to the Coast Guard Academy Professional Maritime Studies Branch where he is a Nautical Science Instructor.

His personal awards include two Coast Guard Achievement Medals, and he is a native of Ashaway, Rhode Island.