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Commander Nicholas Ryan

A native of Farmington, Connecticut, Commander Ryan graduated from the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in English in May 2004. After commissioning, CDR Ryan reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for flight training and earned his Naval Aviator Wings in August 2006. He earned a Master of International Affairs degree from the University of California’s School of Global Policy and Strategy in June, 2018 and completed JPME Phase I through the U.S. Air Force Air Command and Staff College.

Following Fleet Replacement Pilot training with the "Warhawks" of HS-10 in San Diego, CA, CDR Ryan reported to the "Chargers" of HS-14 in October 2007 and completed deployments aboard USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63), USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73), and USS COWPENS (CG 63). While at HS-14, he served as Assistant Training Officer, Aircraft Division Officer and Quality Assurance Officer.

In 2010, CDR Ryan reported back to the “Warhawks” of HS-10 as an Instructor Pilot where he served as the Schedules and Assistant Operations Officer. When HS-10 merged with HSC-3 in 2012, he continued as an H-60F/H/S Instructor and Student Control Officer. During his time at the FRS, CDR Ryan volunteered to return to 7th FLEET for Operation Tomodachi in response to the Fukushima Tsunami and to augment the “Red Lions” of HS-15 deployed onboard the USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70).

In October of 2013, CDR Ryan reported to the "Firehawks" of HSC-85 in San Diego, CA. He deployed to INDOPACOM under the 353rd Special Operations Group supporting Special Operations Command Pacific (SOCPAC) Crisis Response and operational requirements. While at HSC-85, he served as the Safety and Tactics Officer as well as detachment Quality Assurance Officer and Maintenance Officer.

In June, 2016 CDR Ryan transitioned to the Selected Reserves and continued to serve with the “Firehawks” as the Reserve Safety and Maintenance Officer. In June, 2018, CDR Ryan volunteered to augment Commander, Maritime Support Wing (MSW) on active duty in San Diego, CA as the Operations Officer. While at MSW, Commander Ryan directed operations for four P-3 and H-60 reserve squadrons and 11 Squadron Augment Units (SAU).

After mobilizing to active duty in 2018, CDR Ryan deployed as the HSC-85 Detachment ONE Assistant Officer-in-Charge and Flight Lead. This was the first HSC-85 deployment following the transition from the HH-60H to the MH-60S and provided direct support to SOCPAC objectives and requirements in the INDOPACOM area of responsibility. Most recently he has served as on in-active and active duty as Reserve Unit OIC and Executive Officer.

CDR Ryan’s decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and other various campaign, unit, and individual awards. CDR Ryan has accumulated over 3,300 hours in the H-60.

Last Updated: 15 May 2023


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