Commander Lennard D. Cannon
CDR Cannon was born in Mississippi and grew up in Georgia. He is a 2000 graduate of the United States Naval Academy graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering. His first sea tour was onboard USS ELLIOT (DD 967) where served as Damage Control Assistant and earned his Surface Warfare Officer qualification. During this tour he deployed with the John C. Stennis Battle Group to the Arabian Gulf. He completed his second sea tour onboard USS WINSTON S. CHURCHILL (DDG 81) where he served as the Fire Control Officer.
After completing his Division Officer tours he reported to the Naval Postgraduate School where he earned a Master’s of Science Degree in Systems Engineering and Analysis.
He completed two Department Head tours onboard USS HUE CITY (CG 66) serving as both Weapons and Combat Systems Officers. During this tour USS HUE CITY deployed to the Arabian Gulf as the Air Defense Commander for both the Harry S. Truman and Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Groups.
His shore duties include Staff of the Commander United States Fifth Fleet where he served as the Joint Fires Officer, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV) staff where he served as the Current Operations Branch Chief, Flag Aide to VADM William Hilarides, Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command and Program Executive Office for Littoral Combat Ships, as the Full Ship Shock Trials Officer where he was responsible for scheduling, planning and executing Full Ship Shock Trials on USS MILWAUKEE (LCS 5) and USS JACKSON (LCS 6).
His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy Achievement Medal (two awards) and various unit and campaign service awards.
CDR Cannon served as the Executive Officer in USS PAUL IGNATIUS (DDG 117) and is now the Commanding Officer.
Welcome aboard the "Big 5," the U.S. Navy's finest amphibious assault ship! Our mission is to enable the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps team to accomplish a seamless transition from the sea to a land battle. Our motto is "Courage, Commitment, Honor."