Vice Admiral Evan M. Chanik, USN (Ret.)
Commander, Second Fleet
Director, Combined Joint Operations from the Sea Center of Excellence
Then...
Marty Chanik came to USNA with a Naval background. “Chindok” became the outstanding leader among us and there are few better men; even if he is a tightwad.
Even’s Trident Scholar Research was titled, “An Evaluation of Alternate Tactical Users of a Nuclear-Powered Attack Submarine (SSN) in the Support-Escort Role.”
...& Now
Vice Adm. (ret) Evan M. Chanik received his commission and Bachelor of Science in Operations Analysis from the United States Naval Academy in 1973. After designation as a Naval Aviator in 1974, his early assignments included flying the F-14 Tomcat with Fighter Squadron (VF) 1 "Wolfpack" and deploying with USS Enterprise (CVN 65).
Following a tour as an instructor in graduate level tactics at the Naval Fighter Weapons School (Top Gun) flying the F-5 Tiger II and A-4 Skyhawk, Vice Adm. Chanik reported to the VF 24 "Fighting Renegades" and completed western Pacific/Indian Ocean deployments onboard USS Constellation (CV 64) and USS Ranger (CV 61). He was also selected as the Tailhook Association's "West Coast Fighter Pilot of the Year." In September 1984, Vice Adm. Chanik reported to the Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 4 Evaluators, flying both the F-14 and F/A-18 Hornet. He then returned to the Naval Fighter Weapons School, attached to Nellis Air Force Base as part of the 4477th Test and Evaluation Squadron, flying several kinds of aircraft in support of multi-service operational training.
Vice Adm. Chanik reported as the executive officer of the VF 84 "Jolly Rogers" aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) in 1988. After completing the carrier's maiden Mediterranean Sea deployment, he assumed command of VF 84 in March 1990 and led the squadron through combat operations during Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and Provide Comfort. Following Naval Nuclear Propulsion training, Vice Adm. Chanik reported to USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) as executive officer in November 1993, completing a western Pacific deployment. In October 1995, he assumed command of USS Camden (AOE 2) and took the ship through a western Pacific cruise. Vice Adm. Chanik assumed command of Enterprise in November 1997. He led the ship through work-ups and a six-month Mediterranean Sea/Persian Gulf deployment that included Operation Desert Fox in Iraq and operations in the Adriatic Sea. He was chosen as the Tailhook Association's 1999 "Tailhooker of the Year."
Vice Adm. Chanik was selected for promotion to flag rank in April 1999. His first flag assignment was on the Office of Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV) staff as Head, Aviation Plans and Requirements (N780) from July 2000 until March 2002. In April 2002, Vice Adm. Chanik reported to Carrier Group 3 as the USS Carl Vinson Battle Group Commander. He completed a temporary assignment as Deputy Commander, Joint Task Force Southwest Asia, supporting Operations Southern Watch and Enduring Freedom from May-September 2002. On return, he led the Carl Vinson Strike Group on deployment in January 2003 in support of the global war on terrorism. Vice Adm. Chanik returned to the Pentagon in August 2004 where he served as the Director, Programming Division (N80) on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations from August 2004 to March 2005 and Director, Force Structure, Resources and Assessment (J8) from March 2005 to November 2006. In his final assignment, Chanik served as Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet and Director, Combined Joint Operations from the Sea Centre of Excellence.
Vice Adm. Chanik has amassed more than 4,800 flight hours and 850 carrier arrested landings. His awards include Legions of Merit, Bronze Stars, Meritorious Service Medals, Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Air Medal (four strike/flight awards), Navy Commendation Medals with Combat "V", and various service and campaign awards.
