Sector Key West - Knight Island Port Commanding Officer

LT Canavan began his Coast Guard career in 1985, enlisting in Denver, CO, and reporting to Basic Training in Cape May NJ. .  Upon graduation he was assigned to CGC POINT ARENA, in Norfolk, VA. After completing his first sea tour he was transferred to Station Little Creek in November 1987, where he advanced to Boatswain Mate Third Class. He continued advancing through the Boatswain Mate ranks and remained in the Tidewater Area serving aboard CGC LEGARE and at Station Portsmouth, VA.  He was promoted to First Class in 1993, accepting his first command cadre assignments as Executive Petty Officer of Station Hatteras Inlet, NC. and later as the Executive Petty Officer of CGC POINT BONITA. He then transferred to Fleet Training Group (FTG) Norfolk, VA where he participated with the US Navy in training major Coast Guard cutters in Damage Control and Firefighting.  It was during this time he was promoted to the prestigious position of Chief Petty Officer, and in 1998 received orders to his first command as Officer in Charge of Station Mayport, FL.

In 2001 he was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer and transferred to CGC JARVIS, Honolulu, HI. as the First Lieutenant.  Upon completion of that tour in August 2004 he was assigned as the Commanding Officer of PRECOMDET USCGC VASHON, where he oversaw the training, delivery and acceptance of USCGC VASHON into the 123’ Deepwater Program.  On 1 May he was promoted to his current rank of LT, and assigned to CGC MOHAWK, as the Operations Officer.  LT Canavan is reporting from his tour as the Caribbean Surface Action Officer for JIATF South here in Key West, FL.  LT Canavan’s military awards include the Coast Guard Commendation Medal (2 awards), the Coast Guard Achievement Medal (3 awards), the Navy Achievement Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, the National Defense Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, and the Transportation 9-11 Ribbon.