A native of Westbury, N.Y., and longtime resident of Maine, Rear Adm. Crean began his naval career as a Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps Midshipman at the State University of New York Maritime College. In addition to a Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation and Business Management, he earned a Master of Business Administration from New Hampshire College's Graduate School of Business in 1983.

Crean has served in a variety of active and Reserve component assignments providing him extensive acquisition, logistics and leadership experience. His flag assignments include deputy assistant secretary of the Navy (Acquisition and Logistics Management) and deputy commander, Naval Inventory Control Point. Commanding officer tours include Chief of Naval Operations Fleet Readiness and Logistics (N4); Naval Inventory Control Point Mechanicsburg Team One; Defense Contingency Support Team – Contingency Contracting Administrative Services Dallas; U.S. Naval Activities United Kingdom Detachment 402 and Defense Distribution Depot Norfolk Detachment A301.

Crean’s unit tours include director, Reserve Manpower and Mobilization for Naval Supply Systems Command; chief of staff, Joint Reserve Force Defense Supply Center Philadelphia 101; officer in charge, Military Sealift Command Persian Gulf Operations Naples, Italy; executive officer, commander, Military Sealift Command Mediterranean 201; supply officer, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 27; aviation supply officer, Naval Air Station Brunswick, Maine and assistant supply officer aboard USS John Hancock (DD 981). Crean has returned to active duty three times in support of Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In his civilian career, Crean, a member of the Senior Executive Service (SES), is director, office of small business programs for the department of the Navy. In this capacity, he is responsible for advocating policy and initiatives that promote Navy and Marine Corps contracting opportunities for small businesses and serves as principal advisor to the secretary of the Navy on small business matters.

His personal awards include the Legion of Merit (two awards), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards) Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and Military Volunteer Service Medal. A member of the Acquisition Professional Community, his warfare qualifications include Naval aviation supply officer and Seabee combat warfare specialist.