Founded by former senior military officers of the U.S. Navy’s Defense Acquisition Corps, Two Rivers Defense is the next generation of DOD professional support services companies and is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned (SDVOSB) Small business headquartered in Leonardtown, MD. With extensive experience in the full acquisition lifecycle at the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), Two Rivers Defense provides superior professional support with experience in Program management, Test and Evaluation, Systems Engineering, and senior leadership positions throughout NAVAIR.

Core Capabilities

  • We deliver program management support grounded in best practices from the  Defense Acquisition University and compliant with the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations. Our  team supports planning, execution, and lifecycle oversight for complex defense programs. 

  • Staffed by experienced former military and civilian test pilots and  engineers, our team provides expert support in test planning, execution, and reporting. We bring  proven expertise testing multiple DoD aircraft platforms and mission-critical systems. 

  • We support the development and integration of advanced aircraft systems and  sensors. Leveraging digital engineering tools and acquisition best practices, we drive mission alignment,  risk reduction, and technical precision across all phases of system development. 

  • Proven expertise supporting international partners through the full FMS lifecycle, including case development, execution, logistics coordination, and sustainment planning in alignment with U.S. security cooperation objectives. 


Past Performance

Program Management

Planned and executed early installation of major communications and datalink system upgrades for forward-deployed aircraft. Supported POM-cycle planning, scheduling, and CDRL oversight for NAVAIR program offices. Directed program office coordination for the NAVAIR Comprehensive Review of the V-22 Osprey, delivering actionable analysis to DON leaders.

Test & Evlauation

Managed multiple aircraft flight test programs for NAVAIR. Oversaw RDT&E  budget execution and asset control; streamlined workflows and restructured a flight test library to  improve efficiency and data integrity. Redesigned the V-22 deficiency reporting process and analyzed  mishap data to better align resources with critical safety risks.

Systems Engineering

Supported analysis and resolution of V-22 drive system issues and coordinated retrofit planning for early component replacement. Reviewed and synchronized technical data packages with U.S. and foreign stakeholders to ensure compliance, technical accuracy, and alignment with program goals. Established and managed a safety initiative review to prioritize and resource high-impact material solutions.

Foreign Military Sales

Managed the development and secure delivery of technical data and publications to international partners. Ensured compliance with export control policies and coordinated release strategies with the Public Affairs Officer, Judge Advocate General, and program leadership. 

  • President

    CHRISTOPHER W. GAVIN was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Drexel University in May 1998 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. Upon completing Officer Candi date School, he was commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy in January 1999 and earned his designation as a Naval Aviator in July 2000. 

    Throughout his distinguished 25-year Navy career, Chris lived across the continental United States, Hawaii, and Japan and served in multiple areas of operation including the Western Pacific and the Arabian Gulf. Chris spent many years as both an operational helicopter pilot and a developmental test pilot, earning a Master of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology, along the way. In 2011, Chris transitioned to the Navy’s Acquisition Corps. In this community, he held key leadership roles, including Commanding Officer of the Navy’s rotary-wing flight test squadron and senior positions within multiple program offices, where he managed the life-cycle sustainment and modernization of critical Navy and Marine Corps aircraft, including the H-60 Seahawk and V-22 Osprey. 

    Chris retired from active duty as a U.S. Navy Captain in February 2024 and went on to establish Two Rivers Defense, a professional services company specializing in support for the Naval Air Systems Command in Patuxent River, Maryland, providing expertise in Program Management, Flight Test and Evaluation, and Systems Engineering.  

  • Chief Operating Officer

    An experienced Project Manager providing expert support to management in areas such as analysis of technical and test data, problem solving, process development and improvement, reporting and project management. Proven leader skilled at motivating team members and improving performance to achieve organizational goals through effective project management. Professionally communicates with internal and external project members and stakeholders of all leadership levels through written and verbal communication. Promptly and decisively makes decisions to optimize project cost, schedule, and performance metrics. Adept at learning new technical tools and concepts, quickly providing deep analytical insight into project risks, issues and opportunities. Profoundly understand the needs of the project, team members, and stakeholders and capable of handling multiple projects in diverse environments.

  • Director of Operations

    Robert Dugan is the Director of Operations at Two River Defense. Rob served in the United States Marine Corps for 27 years and retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 2025 before joining Two Rivers Defense. During his service, Rob served as a Naval Aviator flying the AH-1W and AH-1Z accumulating over 2500 hours. His assignments include starting his career as an enlisted aviation logistician, serving as Aircraft Maintenance Officer with over 350 Marines and 31 aircraft, and managing MOS production for the full spectrum of Marine Corps vocations at USMC Training Command responsible for future capability training assessment of the Service Chiefs’ priorities and current pipeline production management of over 35,000 Marines annually. A qualified Weapon and Tactics Instructor with shipboard, navally integrated and expeditionary, austere operations experience. Rob has managed large fleet wide programs for the AH-1W and multi-service scale vocational training programs partnering with sister service training institutions to achieve service and partner goals. He earned a Bachelor’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.