Commander Ronnie Cituk is a native of Niskayuna, NY, and enlisted as a “Yeoman” Seaman Recruit in September 1996.  He graduated from the University of Colorado in August of 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Management, earning his commission through the Seaman to Admiral-21 (STA-21) program.  He was designated a Naval Aviator in August 2007.  He holds an Executive Master of Business Administration from the United States Naval Postgraduate School.

His operational assignments include enlisted tours as a Ship’s Secretary onboard USS CURTS (FFG 38) while also performing duties as a Search and Rescue Swimmer; Independent Yeoman duty at Construction Battalion Mobilization Unit THREE ZERO THREE (CBMU-303).  After earning his commission, officer tours include Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron TWO ONE (HSC-21) deploying twice, to Basra, Iraq and Udairi, Kuwait, with the Naval Air Ambulance Detachment TWENTY FIVE FIFTEENTH (NAAD 2515th), flying MEDEVACs in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn; Department Head tour at Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron EIGHT (HSC-8), deploying to US FIFTH Fleet onboard USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) with Carrier Air Wing ELEVEN (CVW-11), and as Officer in Charge during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2018 to support a four aircraft Distinguished Visitor/Very Important Person (DV/VIP) detachment.

His shore tour assignments include enlisted tours on staff duty for Commander, Naval Surface Reserve Force (CNSRF); STA-21 student at the University of Colorado.  After earning his commission, officer tours include Future Operations Officer for Commander, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Pacific (CHSCWP) while flying as an Instructor Pilot at Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron THREE (HSC-3); Flag Aide for Commander, Naval Air Force Reserve (CNAFR); and Executive Assistant for Commander, Naval Air Forces/Commander, Naval Air Force U.S. Pacific Fleet (CNAF/CNAP).

Commander Cituk has accumulated over 2,100 flight hours in three aircraft.  His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal Strike/Flight (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (six awards), along with other personal, unit and service awards.