CDR Ryan “Ham” Willard is a native of Leonardtown, Maryland and a 2009 graduate of the Virginia Military Institute where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He was designated a Naval Aviator in July 2011 after completing primary and advanced helicopter training at Naval Air Station Whiting Field, FL. 

At sea, he served with the “Vipers” of HSL-48 at Naval Station Mayport, FL, deploying aboard USS NICHOLAS (FFG 47) in support of NATO counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden. He later reported to Carrier Air Wing ONE (CVW-1) staff at Naval Air Station Oceana, VA, deploying aboard USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75) to FIFTH Fleet in support of OPERATION FREEDOM’S SENTINEL. As a Department Head, he served with the “Grandmasters” of HSM-46 at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, FL, deploying aboard USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH (CVN 77) to SIXTH Fleet in support of EUCOM theater security operations.

Ashore, he served as a Seahawk Weapons and Tactics Instructor (SWTI) at the Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center (NAWDC) at Naval Air Station Fallon, NV. His most recent assignment was with the Joint Staff, J5 at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. There, he served as the Deputy Executive Assistant to the Director for Strategy, Plans, and Policy.

He assumed duties as Executive Officer, HSM-78 on 21 April 2025.

CDR Willard has accumulated over 2,200 flight hours in fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, and qualified in the SH-60B, MH-60R, and MH-60S helicopters.  His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (1), Navy Commendation Medal (3), Joint Service Achievement Medal (1), Navy Achievement Medal (2), Sea Service Ribbon (2), and various other campaign, service, and unit awards.