Rear Admiral Boulton was appointed Deputy Chief of Personnel in October 2024. His previous senior appointments include Head Military Strategic Plans, Commandant Australian War College, Director General Military Strategic Commitments, Director General Navy Communications and Coordination, and Director Navy International Engagement.
Rear Admiral Boulton commanded HMAS Melbourne from 2011 to 2012, conducting counter-terrorism and counter-piracy operations in the Middle East and Indian Ocean regions. He has served in coalition task forces based in Iraq and Bahrain, and has operated extensively throughout South-East Asia with regional maritime partners.
Rear Admiral Boulton grew up in North Queensland and commenced his naval career at the Royal Australian Naval College in 1989. His seagoing service has included appointments in patrol boats, frigates and destroyers, including an exchange posting with the Royal Navy. He is a graduate of the Australian Command and Staff College, where he also served as Directing Staff, and a graduate of the United States National War College (Class of 2017). He holds master's degrees in National Security Strategy, International Studies, Management, and Maritime Studies.
In 2013, Rear Admiral Boulton was awarded a Commendation for Distinguished Service for his command of HMAS Melbourne. In 2020, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his achievements as Director General Military Strategic Commitments and Director Navy International Engagement.