Rear Adm. Leavitt is a New England native and son of a United States Marine Corps Sergeant Major. He is a graduate of Florida State University (FSU), Tallahassee, Fla., and enlisted as an Aviation Reserve Officer Candidate in April 1982. Upon graduation from FSU, he entered Aviation Officer Candidate School Pensacola, Fla. He was designated a naval aviator in June 1986 at Naval Air Station (NAS) Meridian, Miss. His current assignment is Chief of Naval Air Training which oversees and conducts all pilot and naval fight officers training for the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.

Leavitt completed operational assignments with the "Blue Blasters" of Attack Squadron (VA) 34 and Commander, Carrier Air Wing Seven (CVW 7) assigned as the senior staff landing signals officer, both based in Virginia Beach, Va.

His shore assignments include Fleet Replacement instructor pilot duty with the "Green Pawns" of VA-42. His command tours include: Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VR) 56; Training Air Wing Two Reserve Component; Chief of Naval Air Training Reserve Component; and, Joint Transportation Reserve Unit Navy Element, United States Transportation Command. He has also served as deputy Reserve component commander, Navy Region Midwest.

Leavitt’s previous assignment was Reserve component chief of staff for Commander, Naval Air Forces, Commander Naval Air forces Pacific Fleet.

In October 2011, Leavitt was promoted to flag rank. Leavitt has accumulated over 5,000 hours in multiple naval aircraft. His awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), and other personal and unit awards and citations.