Chaplain Bio

Rev. Dr. Benjamin J. Shear, a native of Lawrence, KS, was commissioned in December, 2011 through the chaplain candidate program, and he entered active duty in 2013 after serving 8 years in civilian pastoral ministry. He is a graduate of the University of Kansas and completed a Master of Biblical Studies degree from Reformed Theological Seminary, in Orlando, FL and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Erskine Theological Seminary, in Due West, SC. He is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church in America.

Chaplain Shear’s first assignment was to Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia where he served as the Force Chaplain. While there, he deployed to SOUTHCOM aboard USNS COMFORT (T-AH 20) in support of CONTINUNING PROMISE 2015. In 2016 he was assigned to 3rd Marine Air Wing, Yuma, Arizona. While there, he served as the Deputy Group chaplain for Marine Aircraft Group 13. In 2016 he deployed as the Air Combat Element chaplain for Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, in support of OPERATION INHERENT RESOLVE (OIR). In 2018 he was assigned to Airborne Command & Control and Logistics Wing, Point Mugu, California, and served as the Command Chaplain.

He currently serves as the Command Chaplain for 1st Marine Corps District, Garden City, New York.

LCDR Shear is a Fleet Marine Force Qualified Officer. His personal awards include the Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), the Navy Achievement Medal, and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.