Commander Ryan “Shrek” Klamper is a native of Lewiston, Idaho, and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He holds a Master of Systems Analysis from the Naval Postgraduate School where he graduated with distinction. He earned his wings of gold in July of 2007.

At sea, he served as NATOPS and Assistant Operations Officer at Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron SEVEN (HS-7) attached to Carrier Air Wing THREE (CVW3) aboard USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN-75), and he completed a C5/6F deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation New Dawn. He also served as a strike planner at Commander Strike Force Training Pacific (CSFTP). During his time there, he was the Lead Planner for the John C. Stennis Strike Group (JCSSG) certification. For his Department Head tour, he went to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron TWO-THREE (HSC-23). While at HSC-23, he deployed aboard the USS AMERICA (LHA-6) in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. During his deployment, LCDR Klamper was the Officer in Charge of 50 Sailors and 3 MH-60S helicopters. His detachment supported the USS JOHN S MCCAIN (DDG-56) mishap Search and Rescue Mission, Alligator Dagger off the horn of Africa, and operations in the Gulf of Oman. Upon his return from deployment, he became the Operations Officer for HSC-23, the largest operational helicopter squadron in the Navy, which operates both the MH-60S and MQ-8C.

His shore tours include service at Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron THREE as a Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) instructor pilot where he served as the training officer. While at HSC-3, he graduated from the Seahawk Weapons and Tactics Instructor (SWTI) course at NAWDC. He also served as the Helicopter Sea Detailer at Naval Personnel Command (NPC), and, most recently, completed the Secretary of the Navy Tour with Industry (SNTWI) Fellowship at FedEx.

Commander Klamper has over 2,900 rotary wing flight hours. His personal awards include the Navy Commendation Medal (five awards), Navy Achievement Medal (three awards), and various unit and campaign awards. In 2013 he was the National Helicopter Association Instructor Pilot of the Year and was awarded the 2017 Navy and Marine Corps Leadership Award for HSCWINGPAC.

Last Updated: 15 September 2022