Rear Admiral Boulton was appointed as Deputy Chief of Personnel in October 2024. Prior 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 during the period 2011-2012 conducting Counter-Terrorism and Anti-Piracy operations in the Middle East and Indian Ocean regions. He has served in Coalition Task Forces based out of Iraq and Bahrain, and has operated extensively in South East Asia with regional maritime partners.
Rear Admiral Boulton grew up in North Queensland and began his naval career in 1989 at the Royal Australian Naval College. His seagoing career has included service in patrol boats, frigates and destroyers, including an exchange with the Royal Navy. He is a graduate, and former Directing Staff member, of the Australian Command and Staff College, and a graduate of the United States National War College (Class of 2017). He holds Master-level degrees in National Security Strategy, International Studies, Management, and Maritime Studies.
In 2013 he was awarded a Commendation for Distinguished Service for his command of HMAS Melbourne. In 2020 his was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for achievements as Director General Military Strategic Commitments and the Director of Navy International Engagement.