CDR Ryan Mann is a native of Cape Coral, FL, and a 2005 graduate of Jacksonville University. He commissioned through NROTC and entered Naval Flight Officer training at NAS Pensacola, FL, earning his Wings of Gold in September 2006. He then reported to VAW-120 “Greyhawks” for FRS training in the E-2C Hawkeye. In 2008 he reported to his first fleet assignment with the VAW-125 “Tigertails” in Norfolk, VA. During this tour he graduated from the United States Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN), flew HADR missions from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in support of Operation UNIFIED RESPONSE, and completed a WESTPAC combat deployment in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM with Carrier Air Wing SEVENTEEN (CVW-17) aboard USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70). After graduating from Carrier Airborne Early Warning Weapons School (CAEWWS) in 2011, he reported to the Hawkeye Weapons and Tactics Unit in Point Mugu, CA. He served as a Hawkeye Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) and was the Assistant OIC during the transition to the Airborne Command & Control and Logistics Weapons School. In 2013 he was selected as the Hawkeye NFO of the Year. Commander Mann served as Training Officer with the VAW-123 “Screwtops” in Norfolk, VA prior to his selection for Aviation Department Head. His DH tour began with the VAW-112 “Golden Hawks” in Point Mugu, CA where he deployed with Carrier Air Wing NINE (CVW-9) aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) to the South China Sea. In 2017, VAW-112 was disestablished and CDR Mann transferred back to VAW-123 to complete his DH tour. In January 2019, CDR Mann reported to the Pentagon for his joint duty assignment with the Joint Staff Directorate for Strategy, Plans, and Policy (J-5). There, he served as the Central Asia Branch Chief in the Middle East Deputy Directorate and Deputy Executive Assistant to the Director, J-5. CDR Mann has accumulated over 1,800 flight hours in the E-2 Hawkeye. His personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (3 awards), Navy Achievement Medal (2 awards), Humanitarian Service Medal, and various unit, campaign, and service awards. He is married to his wife, Katie with whom he shares three children: Abigail, Olivia, and Connor.