Public engineering firm profile
Leonardtown, MD
Where innovation and mission converge.
Founded by former senior military officers of the U.S. Navy's Defense Acquisition Corps, Two Rivers Defense provides professional engineering and program support services to the Department of Defense. With extensive experience in the full acquisition lifecycle at the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), it delivers expertise in program management, test and evaluation, systems engineering, and foreign military sales to support Navy and Marine Corps aviation programs.
Supports POM-cycle planning, scheduling, CDRL oversight, and coordination for major military aviation program offices.
Directs developmental flight test programs and manages RDT&E resources to optimize data integrity and safety alignment.
Analyzes complex drive systems, coordinates safety initiatives, and aligns technical data packages.
Handles international technical publication distribution and manages compliance with export control laws.
Patuxent River, MD | Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) | Defense
Supported POM-cycle planning, scheduling, and CDRL oversight for NAVAIR program offices. This included directing coordination for the NAVAIR Comprehensive Review of the V-22 Osprey and executing early installation of major communications and datalink system upgrades for forward-deployed aircraft.
View project sourcePatuxent River, MD | Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) | Defense
Managed multiple aircraft flight test programs for NAVAIR. Responsibilities included overseeing RDT&E budget execution, streamlining flight test library workflows, redesigning the V-22 deficiency reporting process, and analyzing mishap data to mitigate critical safety risks.
View project sourcePatuxent River, MD | Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) | Defense
Supported the analysis and resolution of V-22 drive system issues and coordinated retrofit planning for early component replacement. Managed safety initiative reviews and synchronized technical data packages with U.S. and foreign stakeholders to ensure technical accuracy and alignment.
View project sourcePatuxent River, MD | Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) | Defense
Managed the development and secure delivery of technical data and publications to international partners under Foreign Military Sales cases, ensuring strict compliance with export control policies and coordination with program leadership.
View project sourcePresident
M.S. Aeronautical Engineering
Christopher W. Gavin graduated from Drexel University in 1998 with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and was commissioned as a U.S. Navy Ensign in January 1999. He earned his Naval Aviator designation in July 2000 and served a 25-year Navy career as both an operational helicopter pilot and a developmental test pilot, earning an M.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology. He held key leadership roles including Commanding Officer of the Navy's rotary-wing flight test squadron and senior positions managing lifecycle sustainment and modernization of the H-60 Seahawk and V-22 Osprey. Chris retired as a U.S. Navy Captain in February 2024 and founded Two Rivers Defense.
Director of Operations
Robert Dugan served in the United States Marine Corps for 27 years and retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 2025. Rob served as a Naval Aviator flying the AH-1W and AH-1Z, accumulating over 2,500 flight hours. His assignments included Aircraft Maintenance Officer overseeing more than 350 Marines and 31 aircraft, and managing MOS production at USMC Training Command for over 35,000 Marines annually. He is a qualified Weapons and Tactics Instructor with shipboard, naval, and expeditionary operations experience. Rob earned a B.S. from Plattsburgh State University. His awards include the Legion of Merit, Air Medals, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals.
Leonardtown, MD
Patuxent River, MD