CAPT Cannon was born in Drew, MS and grew up in Decatur, 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. He also served as Commissioning Executive Officer and the second Commanding Officer onboard USS PAUL IGNATIUS (DDG 117). As CO he led the ship during two SM-3 missile firings during NATO Exercise Formidable Shield 2021.
His shore duties include Staff of the Commander United States Fifth Fleet as the Joint Fires Officer, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV) staff as the Current Operations Branch Chief, Flag Aide to VADM William Hilarides, Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command, PEO Littoral Combat Ships, as the Full Ship Shock Trials Officer for USS MILWAUKEE (LCS 5) and USS JACKSON (LCS 6) and PEO Ships as the DDG-51 Program Office Deputy Technical Director, Government Equipment Management (GEM) Office Deputy Director and Deputy Director for Supervisor of Shipbuilding Management (NAVSEA 04Z).
His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy Achievement Medal (two awards) and various unit and campaign service awards.
CAPT Cannon currently serves as the Executive Officer for Supervisor of Shipbuilding Gulf Coast (SSGC).