RYAN A. BALLARD
Chesapeake,VA
Summary
Experienced professional and Military Veteran with 27 years of aviation maintenance experience, talent development, and operational management background. Proven track record of overseeing complex maintenance and production operations, optimizing team performance, and ensuring regulatory compliance for H-60 aircraft and weapons systems. Skilled in developing and implementing efficient workflows, quality control, and preventive maintenance practices, which enhance safety and operational readiness. Adept at managing resources, coordinating inventory, and adhering to strict budget controls to meet mission-critical objectives. Demonstrated expertise in personnel administration and policy compliance, acting as a reliable liaison between staff and leadership to streamline processes and support organizational goals. Committed to building and mentoring high-performance teams through effective recruitment, onboarding, and tailored training programs, fostering a skilled and motivated workforce aligned with organizational standards.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certificate
Work History
Aviation Maintenance Operations Manager
HELICOPTER SEA COMBAT SQUADRON TWO SIX
05.2022 - Current
- Oversaw and managed aviation maintenance and production operations, ensuring compliance with safety standards and regulatory requirements while optimizing team performance and efficiency in aircraft upkeep and repair
- Directed maintenance operations at both organizational and intermediate levels for H-60 aircraft, armament systems, engines, components, ground support equipment, and aviators' life support systems, ensuring peak operational readiness and adherence to safety standards
- Managed and maintained aviation weapons systems' maintenance, logistics, and operational support, ensuring safety compliance, operational readiness, and efficient team coordination to support mission-critical objectives
- Directed inventory control and safety procedures for ammunition handling and storage, ensuring precise tracking and regulatory compliance
- Managed technical oversight of airborne weapons systems on aircraft carriers and at shore-based facilities, ensuring maintenance, logistics, operational support, and safety protocols were met
- Oversaw operational readiness and status of armament and weapons support equipment, maintaining preparedness and strict adherence to safety standards
- Performed advanced maintenance and inspections on air-launched weapons, following all safety and policy regulations to ensure secure and reliable operations
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify areas for process improvement and implement necessary changes.
- Increased staff retention rates through effective hiring practices and fostering a positive working environment that encourages professional growth.
- Evaluated new technologies and equipment upgrades to stay current with industry trends, maximizing operational efficiency.
- Reduced downtime through efficient troubleshooting and repair of machinery, resulting in improved productivity.
- Coordinated with engineering teams to design more reliable systems that reduced the need for frequent interventions from maintenance personnel.
- Streamlined work order processes, enabling faster response times to maintenance requests and enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Enhanced equipment reliability by implementing preventative maintenance programs and routine inspections.
- Managed emergency repairs efficiently while minimizing impact on production schedules.
- Ensured compliance with safety regulations and company policies by implementing proper procedures and conducting regular audits.
- Leveraged data-driven decision-making to optimize preventive maintenance schedules based on equipment usage patterns.
- Oversaw facility renovations and expansions, effectively managing project timelines to minimize disruptions to daily operations.
- Implemented energy-saving initiatives, reducing utility costs for the organization without compromising operational effectiveness.
- Managed a team of technicians, ensuring proper training and skill development for increased job performance.
- Developed budget plans for maintenance operations, effectively controlling expenses and driving cost savings.
- Improved overall facility efficiency by optimizing work schedules and resource allocation.
- Supported continuous improvement efforts with thorough documentation of maintenance activities and sharing best practices among team members.
- Established strong vendor relationships for timely procurement of parts and services, maintaining optimal inventory levels.
- Conducted root cause analysis on recurring issues, developing long-term solutions that prevent future occurrences.
- Supervised employee performance, preventive maintenance, and safety.
- Scheduled regular inspections of equipment and facilities to manage wear and tear.
- Created and submitted detailed reports to highlight maintenance activities and equipment performance.
- Planned scheduled maintenance outages as part of preventive maintenance program.
- Trained maintenance technicians to apply proper techniques and best practices and comply with safety protocols.
- Collaborated with other departments to verify completion of maintenance tasks.
- Completed partial or full dismantling of equipment to quickly repair or replace defective components and restore functionality.
- Established and documented protocols for preventive maintenance procedures, decreasing equipment issues, and reducing downtime.
- Delegated tasks to carefully selected employees in alignment with resource management goals.
- Documented inventory of spare parts to enable tracking history and maintain accurate records.
- Monitored priorities and liaised between maintenance team and management, delegating tasks to complete on time.
- Created and implemented maintenance program to optimize operational efficiency and reduce downtime.
- Procured pricing information from various vendors to support cost-effective purchasing.
- Forecasted and reviewed maintenance budgets to establish cost-effective measures.
- Prepared and reviewed maintenance contracts with external service providers to offer mutually binding agreements.
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
- Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
- Opened and closed location and monitored shift changes to uphold successful operations strategies and maximize business success.
- Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
- Used industry expertise, customer service skills and analytical nature to resolve customer concerns and promote loyalty.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence.
- Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
- Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
- Trained personnel in equipment maintenance and enforced participation in exercises focused on developing key skills.
- Successfully managed budgets and allocated resources to maximize productivity and profitability.
- Improved staffing during busy periods by creating employee schedules and monitoring call-outs.
- Identified and communicated customer needs to supply chain capacity and quality teams.
- Set aggressive targets for employees to drive company success and strengthen motivation.
- Developed detailed plans based on broad guidance and direction.
- Leveraged data and analytics to make informed decisions and drive business improvements.
- Reduced waste and pursued revenue development strategies to keep department aligned with sales and profit targets.
- Controlled resources and assets for department activities to comply with industry standards and government regulations.
- Launched quality assurance practices for each phase of development
- Streamlined and monitored quality programs to alleviate overdue compliance activities.
- Managed senior-level personnel working in marketing and sales capacities.
- Planned, created, tested and deployed system life cycle methodology to produce high quality systems to meet and exceed customer expectations.
Air Launched Weapons Ordnance Supervisor/ Weapons Department 3M Manager
USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72)
03.2018 - 04.2022
- Company Overview: Aircraft Carrier
- Led 30 Ordnance Technicians as Hanger Bay QA/SO in the safe and efficient off-load of 1,054 tons of conventional ordnance valued at $281 Million Dollars with zero mishaps
- Supervised 101 personnel as the QA/SO in the mishap-free receipt and segregation of 192 tons of ordnance valued at $176 Million
- Oversaw safe assembly and delivery of 60 tons of munitions ordnance packages for CVW-9, Strike Fighter Wing Fallon, and TOPGUN to achieve a high order of direct hits
- Directed the completion of over 300 damage control discrepancies and completing 0ver 400 planned maintenance actions, maintaining 100% equipment readiness in the department
- Ensured the weapon system readiness and proper maintenance and safe ordnance stowage of all shipboard magazines
- Trained over 100 personnel in perform proper 3M maintenance result in an overall 99.60%
- Recorded Accomplishment Rate (RAR)
- Managed the production of 4 divisions in the maintenance and upkeep of 10 weapons elevators, 43 sprinkler systems and accountability of ordnance totaling more than $4.5 billion in assets
- Managed / trained 300 personnel on the issue and receipt of over 1.6 million pounds of ordnance in direct support of operations
- Supervised and developed Technicians performing scheduled/unscheduled maintenance on a wide variety of weapons and over 1200 pieces of weapons support equipment
- Oversaw daily operations of the department, ensuring smooth workflow and timely completion of tasks.
- Applied strong leadership talents and problem-solving skills to maintain team efficiency and organize workflows.
- Increased team productivity by implementing efficient workflows and setting clear expectations for staff members.
- Mentored junior staff members in their career development, sharing knowledge from years of experience in the field.
Inventory Accuracy Officer/AA&E Screening Officer/Explosive Driver Instructor
Naval Munitions Command Detachment Corpus Christi/Kingsville
01.2014 - 12.2017
- Responsible for two detachments as the Inventory Accuracy Officer, maintained a 98% inventory accuracy/accountability for 900 ordnance items totaling $1.5 million
- Responsible for $2.5 million dollars in ordnance, OHE, MHE, and AA&E assets
- Directed the daily operations of two detachments, ensuring the safe receipt, storage, and issue of 32.41 tons of conventional ordnance, resulting in the qualification of 182 force protection watch standers
- Instructed 28 Naval Air Station Corpus Christi security personnel to qualify for explosive driver, increasing the base qualifications by 60% IAW all related safety and transportation publications
- Managed a budget of $2.5 million dollars for the replacement of 3 above ground magazines, and 4 magazine doors, which allowed for a 40% increase in storage space
- Mentored junior staff members, helping them develop their skills and advance in their careers.
- Maintained strict adherence to industry regulations, minimizing risk exposure for the organization.
- Enhanced communication between team members by organizing regular meetings and fostering open dialogue.
- Established effective relationships with key stakeholders both internally and externally for increased collaboration opportunities.
- Improved department efficiency by streamlining and implementing policies and processes.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to address complex issues, leading to more efficient problem-solving processes.
- Implemented process improvements that streamlined workflows, reducing redundancies and increasing operational efficiency.
- Delivered high-quality training programs, enhancing employee skill sets and contributing to professional development efforts.
- Established protocols for handling sensitive information, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with legal standards.
- Improved team morale and performance with consistent feedback and recognition of achievements.
- Ensured compliance with national and local laws through regular policy reviews and updates.
- Increased awareness and preparedness for potential threats by developing comprehensive training materials for new recruits.
- Collected, arranged, and input information into database system.
- Generated reports detailing findings and recommendations.
- Maintained database systems to track and analyze operational data.
- Gathered, organized and input information into digital database.
- Educated staff on organizational mission and goals to help employees achieve success.
- Conducted regular reviews of operations and identified areas for improvement.
- Maintained overall safe work environment with employee training programs and enforcement of safety procedures.
- Helped meet changing demands by recommending improvements to business systems or procedures.
- Devised and implemented processes and procedures to streamline operations.
- Optimized customer experience by delivering superior services and effectively troubleshooting issues.
- Created and managed project plans, timelines and budgets.
- Evaluated staff performance and provided coaching to address inefficiencies.
- Developed effective improvement plans in alignment with goals and specifications.
- Cultivated positive relationships with vendors to deliver timely and cost-effective supply of services and materials.
- Frequently inspected production area to verify proper equipment operation.
- Provided reporting for forecast analysis and ad-hoc reporting in support of decision-making.
- Observed packing operations to verify conformance to specifications.
- Maintained professionalism under pressure, responding calmly and decisively to potential threats or crisis situations.
- Continuously updated knowledge base regarding changes in international aviation regulations and guidelines, ensuring full compliance at all times.
- Reduced wait times for passengers by efficiently processing a high volume of individuals through security checkpoints.
- Assisted in the training of new Screening Officers, ensuring consistent adherence to security standards across the team.
- Maintained a secure environment by promptly identifying potential threats and reporting them to appropriate authorities.
- Worked closely with law enforcement agencies, sharing information about potential threats or suspicious activity as necessary.
- Demonstrated proficiency in handling sensitive information responsibly, protecting both individual privacy and national security interests.
- Contributed to the development of new screening processes and techniques, leading to improved efficiency and effectiveness.
- Conducted thorough inspections of cargo holds, adhering to strict regulations and minimizing risk factors associated with air travel.
- Utilized advanced technology such as X-ray machines and metal detectors during screening processes, detecting potential hazards before they became an issue.
- Managed departmental budgets effectively, ensuring optimal allocation of resources for necessary equipment and training.
- Evaluated customer needs and feedback to drive product and service improvements.
- Participated in regular drills and exercises designed to bolster preparedness in emergency situations, enhancing overall response capabilities.
- Developed personalized training programs for individual students, catering to their unique learning styles and needs.
- Promoted a culture of responsibility among students by emphasizing the importance of vehicle maintenance and adherence to traffic laws.
- Collaborated with other instructors to share best practices and develop new teaching methods for better results.
- Conducted comprehensive evaluations of student performance, offering constructive feedback for improvement.
- Assisted students in overcoming nervousness or anxiety related to driving by providing encouragement and reassurance throughout the learning process.
- Reduced the number of accidents involving novice drivers under my instruction through rigorous emphasis on safe driving practices.
- Coordinated scheduling and logistics for driving lessons, maximizing efficiency while accommodating individual student needs.
- Improved student driving skills by providing clear and concise instructions during practical lessons.
- Provided support and guidance for students preparing to take their written and practical exams, alleviating stress and increasing confidence levels.
- Established rapport with students, fostering a supportive environment conducive to learning and skill development.
- Enhanced road safety awareness in students through engaging presentations on traffic rules and regulations.
- Maintained a clean, safe, and well-maintained fleet of instructional vehicles, ensuring optimal learning conditions for each student.
- Maintained accurate records of each student''s progress, ensuring timely completion of required coursework and preparation for exams.
- Taught drivers how to drive, shift and back up trucks.
- Maintained regulatory compliance documentation to promote safety and compliance culture.
- Developed and implemented training materials and course updates.
- Conducted total of 10 miles of training with each driver.
- Provided instructional handouts, texts, audiovisual aids and other materials to facilitate learning.
Aviation Ordnancemen Quality Assurance Representative and Safety Observer (QA/SO) / Small Arms Instructor
Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Eight Four
01.2009 - 12.2014
- Supervised and developed Technicians performing scheduled/unscheduled maintenance on a wide variety of small arms weapons, small arms ranges, night vision devices and magazine sprinkler systems and 30 divisional spaces
- Managed critically short training ordnance to ensure proper distribution in support of FRTP deplorers
- Managed / trained 400 personnel on the proper operation of the M9 Pistol, M500 Shotgun, M-16, M240 and .50 Cal machine guns expending over 110,000 rounds with zero mishaps or incidents
- Led 24 AGM-114 Hellfire Missions, resulting 95% missile on target rate
- Quality Assurance Lead for 12 Technicians executed a high level of Maintenance while managing a 40% manning shortage
- Completed 6 Detachments and a rotational Detachment maintaining a 95% Full Mission capable rate
- Qualified 50 Explosive Egress Technicians as the lead Instructor increasing the command readiness by 15%
- Maintained detailed records of test results, providing valuable data for future process improvements.
- Streamlined QA processes for increased efficiency, reducing time spent on repetitive tasks.
- Performed call audits to monitor regulatory compliance.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion of all QA tasks and deliverables.
- Assisted in the development and implementation of automated testing tools for improved efficiency and accuracy in QA processes.
- Performed root cause analysis on identified defects, contributing to effective problem resolution and prevention strategies.
- Drafted performance and quality assurance reports and presented findings at weekly and monthly quality meetings.
- Served as a subject matter expert within the organization, providing guidance on best practices for maintaining high levels of quality assurance across all functions.
- Provided regular updates to team leadership on quality metrics by communicating consistency problems or production deficiencies.
- Recorded findings of inspection process, collaborating with quality team to implement corrective actions.
- Analyzed quality and performance data to support operational decision-making.
- Followed standard operating procedures for inspections and tests.
- Assisted in developing inspection and testing protocols.
- Examined products for imperfections and defects.
- Trained other workers in inspection and testing procedures.
- Improved team efficiency by effectively communicating findings with colleagues and supervisors.
- Reduced instances of human error in observational data collection by implementing a standardized double-checking process for verifying measurements.
- Fostered culture of continuous improvement, regularly reviewing and updating observation protocols.
Education
Graduate of the U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy (SEA) - Military Leadership
Senior Enlisted Academy
Newport, RI01.2022
Aviation Ordnance Managers Career Progression - Aviation Management
Center of Naval Aviation Technical Training Center
Milton FL01.2021
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts & Science
Saint Leo University
Saint Leo, FL06.2016
Aircraft Armament Mechanic - Aviation
United Service Military Apprentice Program
Norfolk, VA12.2015
Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt - Process Improvement
Navy Munitions Command
Ft. Worth, Texas02.2015
Master Training Specialist - Curriculum And Instruction
Naval Education And Training Command
Great Lakes, IL01.2007
Skills
- Quality Assurance
- Strategic Planning
- Logistics Management
- Records Management
- Process Improvement
- Maintenance Operations
- Troubleshooting
- Repairs
- Communication
- Regulatory Compliance
- Training
- Development
Certification
· Certified Naval Instructor
· Certified Naval Facilitator
· Air Launched Weapons Ordnance Supervisor
· Master Training Specialist
· Certified as Quality Assurance Safety Observer for Ammunition & Explosives
· Aircraft Armament Mechanic (USMAPS) Department Of Labor
· Collateral Duty Inspector
· Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt
· Clearance Level Secret
· Citizenship: US
· Anti-Terrorism Tactical Watch Officer
· Range Safety Officer
· Quality Assurance Inspector
Languages
English
Full Professional
Timeline
Aviation Maintenance Operations Manager
HELICOPTER SEA COMBAT SQUADRON TWO SIX
05.2022 - Current
Air Launched Weapons Ordnance Supervisor/ Weapons Department 3M Manager
USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72)
03.2018 - 04.2022
Inventory Accuracy Officer/AA&E Screening Officer/Explosive Driver Instructor
Naval Munitions Command Detachment Corpus Christi/Kingsville
01.2014 - 12.2017
Aviation Ordnancemen Quality Assurance Representative and Safety Observer (QA/SO) / Small Arms Instructor
Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Eight Four
01.2009 - 12.2014
Graduate of the U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy (SEA) - Military Leadership
Senior Enlisted Academy
Aviation Ordnance Managers Career Progression - Aviation Management
Center of Naval Aviation Technical Training Center
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts & Science
Saint Leo University
Aircraft Armament Mechanic - Aviation
United Service Military Apprentice Program
Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt - Process Improvement
Navy Munitions Command
Master Training Specialist - Curriculum And Instruction
Naval Education And Training Command
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of [Number] staff members.
- Achieved [Result] through effectively helping with [Task].
- Documented and resolved [Issue] which led to [Results].
- Resolved product issue through consumer testing.
- Achieved [Result] by introducing [Software] for [Type] tasks.
- Collaborated with team of [Number] in the development of [Project name].
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
- Achieved [Result] by completing [Task] with accuracy and efficiency.
Certificates Licensure
- Certified Naval Instructor
- Certified Naval Facilitator
- Air Launched Weapons Ordnance Supervisor
- Master Training Specialist
- Certified as Quality Assurance Safety Observer for Ammunition & Explosives
- Aircraft Armament Mechanic (USMAPS) Department Of Labor
- Collateral Duty Inspector
- Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt
- Clearance Level Secret
- Citizenship: US
- Anti-Terrorism Tactical Watch Officer
- Range Safety Officer
- Quality Assurance Inspector
Navy Necs
- 9502 Naval Instructor
- 8RDC Recruit Division Commander
- 0812 Small Arms Marksmanship Instructor
- D08A AVIATION ORDNANCE MANAGERS CAREER PROGRESSION
- 759B Air Launched Weapons Technician
- 791F COMMAND PAY AND PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATOR
- E23A - H-60 Systems Organizational Career Maintenance Technician
- 770B AVIATION MAINTENANCE/PRODUCTION CHIEF
- 8SEA GRADUATE OF THE U.S. NAVY SENIOR ENLISTED ACADEMY (SEA)
Certificates Licensure
- Certified Naval Instructor
- Certified Naval Facilitator
- Air Launched Weapons Ordnance Supervisor
- Master Training Specialist
- Certified as Quality Assurance Safety Observer for Ammunition & Explosives
- Aircraft Armament Mechanic (USMAPS) Department Of Labor
- Collateral Duty Inspector
- Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt
- Clearance Level Secret
- Citizenship: US
- Anti-Terrorism Tactical Watch Officer
- Range Safety Officer
- Quality Assurance Inspector
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