Gerard was born in Willemstad, the son of a wood-trader, but chose to enter the Dutch navy in 1661 as a cadet, serving the Admiralty of the Maze.

When De Ruyter was killed, he became acting Vice-Admiral as squadron leader of the van, bringing home the body of the Admiral.

In 1688 he was captain of the Maagd van Dordrecht in the invasion fleet of William III of Orange during the Glorious Revolution.

In 1704 he participated in the Anglo-Dutch invasion of Gibraltar, and helped in its defense in the Battle of Vélez-Málaga as commander of the Rear Division, when his flagship was the Graaf van Albemarle (64).

From 1678 to 1711 Callenburgh was a member of the vroedschap (town council) of Vlaardingen and often was chosen to be one of the burgomasters for a period of time.