Capt. Ryan Mattson is a native of San Diego, CA. He attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, graduating in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Studies, and earned his commission through Officer Candidate School in 2002. He was designated a Naval Aviator in February 2005 and reported to VAQ-129 for fleet replacement training in the legendary EA-6B Prowler.
 
Capt. Mattson began his operational flying in April 2006 with the Shadowhawks of VAQ-141 at NAS Whidbey Island, WA. While a Shadowhawk, he deployed aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) flying combat operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He reported to VFA-122 for transition flight training in the F/A-18E/F and remained on as an Instructor Pilot until September 2010, when he reported to VAQ-129 as an EA-18G FRS Instructor Pilot and Carrier Qualification Phase Head.  In May 2012 Capt. Mattson reported to CVW-2 as the Air Wing Landing Signals Officer, where he deployed aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).
 
Capt. Mattson returned to the Shadowhawks as a Department Head in Atsugi, Japan, where he completed six forward deployed patrols aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) and USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) in support of USINDOPACOM operations. As a Department Head, he served as Aviation Safety, Administration, Operations, and Maintenance Officer helping the Shadowhawk team earn back-to-back CNAP Battle “E” Awards. Capt. Mattson served at U.S. Forces, Japan as a Strategic Plans Officer in the Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate (J-5). In June of 2019, he returned to Whidbey Island, WA to assume duty as the Executive Officer of the VAQ-131 Lancers. Capt. Mattson assumed Command in July 2020 while deployed to NAF Misawa, Japan. He relinquished Command in October 2021. In 2022, he earned a Master of Arts in National Strategy and Security Studies from the Naval War College with distinction and is a graduate of the Navy Nuclear Power Program. Capt. Mattson assumed his duties as Executive Officer of USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) in October 2024.
 
Capt. Mattson has accumulated over 3,000 flight hours in 7 aircraft, 565 carrier arrested landings, and 42 combat missions. His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal (2 awards), Navy Commendation Medal (3 awards), Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal and various service awards and ribbons.  In September 2021, Capt. Mattson was selected by his peers as the Navy and Marine Corps Association Leadership Excellence Award recipient.

Last Updated: 13 November 2024