After serving for 21 years in the U.S. Navy aboard a variety of ships, including the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Kittyhawk, and also on shore duty, Dave Kanitz retired from the military and now works more than one job in the greater San Diego area.  Because he enjoyed welding and was able to take advantage of welding training during his multiple tours of duty and two cruises around the world, Dave was well prepared for the civilian work force.   

His primary, full-time position is with the San Diego International Airport as a maintenance welder.  Along with that, he works part time in the shipyard. 

“Part time in the ship yard is anything up to 40 hours each week,” explains Dave.  “Most times, there is overtime available if you care to work it.  So I can pretty much put in as much time as I care to there.”

On the side, he owns Dave’s Mobile Services and performs maintenance and repair and handles custom work. 

One might assume that molten metal flows in his blood because on week-ends, as a hobby, Dave still finds time to work with wire and smaller pieces of metal that he crafts into artistic designs.  His four-year-old son is frequently by his side, helping dad find just the right piece to weld, braze, or solder creatively.

“I enjoy using various techniques to shape and color small pieces of art, including such things as wind chimes,” Dave comments.  

With all this experience, he was still ready to learn more when he attended a recent class at the Hobart Institute, Weldability of Metals – Ferrous and Nonferrous. 

“With welding, there is always something new to learn,” says Dave. 

This ambitious man isn’t one to sit back and rest without helping others learn.  He is grateful for the training he has had and wants to share that with others along the way.  He has many stories to relate concerning guiding young sailors and assisting them as they find their niche in life.  Perhaps one day in the not-too-distant future, we will find Dave teaching in a classroom.  Without a doubt, this would certainly provide an adventure in learning from one who has so many experiences to share!