Captain John N. Ryan, USN
Captain John N. Ryan is a native of California. He attended the California Maritime Academy in Vallejo, California and was commissioned an Ensign in the Navy on August 14, 1954.
His first assignment was as Executive Officer of the USS ESTERO (AKL 5). In 1958 he attended the U. S. Naval Submarine School in New London, Connecticut and in July of that year was assigned to his first submarine, the USS QUEENFISH (SS-393) where he held a variety of billets including Supply Officer, Weapons Officer, Engineer, Navigator and Executive Officer.
In August 1961 Captain Rayn was assigned to FAETUPAC, Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, California as Officer in Charge of the Officer Anti-Submarine Warfare School. Leaving the school in July 1963 he proceeded to his second submarine USS RONQUIL (SS-396). A year later he reported to USS ARGONAUT (SS 475) as Executive Officer.
Between August 1966 and April 1970 Captain Ryan held two staff posts, first at the COMSUBPAC Operational Control Center and then as Assistant Chief of Staff for Surface Warfare for Commander Carrier Division FOURTEEN. From June 1970 to December 1971 he served as Executive Officer of USS WILLIAM H. STANDLEY (CG 32).
Captain Ryan assumed command of USS CHARLES R. WARE (DD 865) in March 1972. In October 1973 he became Executive Officer and later Commanding Officer of Navy Recruit Training Command at Great Lakes, Illinois, remaining there. until August 1976. In September 1976, Captain Ryan was assigned to the Office of Chief of Naval Operations where he served until January 1978. Following completion of the SOSMRC, Captain Ryan assumed command of the USS BIDDLE on 25 August 1978.
Captain Ryan is married to the former Margaret P. Descoteaux of Biddeford, Maine. They have four children, David Howard, Richard Mathew, Stephen Christopher, and Kathleen Kirsten.
