CDR Ryan “Rooster” Yonkman is a native of Alexandria, Virginia. He graduated from the United Stated Naval Academy in 2008, earning a Bachelor of Science in Economics. Upon completion of flight training, he was designated a Naval Aviator in 2010 and reported to the “Fleet Angels” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron TWO (HSC-2) for initial training in the MH-60S.

Yonkman began his operational assignments in May 2011 with the “Dragon Whales” of HSC-28. Here he made two operational deployments, supporting U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet. In 2015, while on his initial shore tour, Yonkman deployed as an Individual Augmentee (IA), standing up the new Personnel Recovery Coordination Cell (PRCC) for Combined Joint Task Force – Operation INHERENT RESOLVE (CJTF-OIR) where he served as the Director, supporting personnel recovery operations for Syria and Iraq. Yonkman later returned to the fleet as a Department Head in HSC-8, the “Eightballers,” deploying twice to 7^th Fleet, with CVW-11, aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71).

Shore assignments include, MH-60S FRS instructor pilot and Quality Assurance Officer with the “Fleet Angels” of HSC-2, Flag Aide to Commander US THIRD Fleet, and Helicopter Sea Detailer (PERS-432H), Navy Personnel Command PERS-43.

He assumed the duties as Executive Officer, HSC-6 in March 2024. Yonkman has accumulated over 2,200 flight hours in the MH-60S. His awards include the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (6 awards), and Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal as well as numerous unit awards and citations.