Admiral David Lance Johnston, AC (born 1962) is a senior officer in the Royal Australian Navy.

[1][2] Johnston's staff appointments include command and control specialist staff positions in Australian Defence Force Headquarters, Operations Manager at Sailors' Career Management and later as Director Joint Plans in Strategic Operations Division, where he developed the military response options for consideration by the government.

Johnston was appointed Commander Border Protection Command in December 2011,[1] and the next month was made a Member of the Order of Australia for "exceptional service" in senior staff appointments and awarded a Commendation for Distinguished Service in recognition of his leadership on Operation Slipper.

[7] Johnston was advanced to Companion of the Order of Australia in the 2022 Queen's Birthday Honours in recognition of his "eminent service to the Australian Defence Force through strategic stewardship and capability integration.

[1] On 10 July 2024, Johnston was promoted to admiral and appointed the Chief of the Defence Force (CDF), succeeding General Angus Campbell.