RYAN HEYKENS
Stevensville,MD
Summary
Professional military leader with proven capabilities in strategic planning, mission execution, and personnel management. Skilled in fostering collaboration and driving results in dynamic environments. Strong leadership, operational oversight, and decision-making abilities ensure mission success and adaptability to evolving challenges. Renowned for reliability and effective team coordination.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Commanding Officer (Vice President/Director)
FLEET AIR RECONNAISSANCE SQUADRON SEVEN
Oklahoma City, OK
07.2023 - 11.2025
- Oversaw training programs for personnel, ensuring operational readiness and compliance with safety protocols.
- Evaluated performance metrics to identify areas for improvement, driving continuous enhancement of operational capabilities.
- Mentored junior officers, cultivating leadership skills and promoting professional development within the squadron.
- Established strong relationships with external partners to facilitate cooperation and support during joint operations.
- Developed standard operating procedures that streamlined workflows and improved overall mission success rates.
Action Officer / Executive Chair
JOINT STAFF / J6, PENTAGON
Arlington, VA
07.2020 - 07.2022
- Facilitated strategic discussions among executive boards to enhance Department of Defense modernization efforts, reporting directly to J6 Director.
- Coordinated efforts with national security agency threat analysts to evaluate Department of Defense risks and establish comprehensive threat mitigation plans.
- Oversaw strategic initiatives for cryptographic modernization, ensuring alignment with legislative requirements and operational needs of DoD entities.
- Analyzed operational data to identify trends, informing strategic recommendations for capability improvements.
- Mentored junior staff in best practices for project management and operational planning, fostering professional growth.
Instructor Pilot /Maintenance Officer
FLEET AIR RECONNAISSANCE SQUADRON THREE
Oklahoma City, OK
03.2018 - 06.2020
- Directed planning and execution of maintenance actions for nine E-6B aircraft, overseeing nearly 300 sailors to ensure operational readiness.
- Achieved enhanced safety standards through effective management of squadron's Safety Management System. Improved aircraft maintenance and ground safety programs across the squadron. Strengthened aviation pre-mishap plan and elevated training for members of two standing squadron aviation mishap boards.
- Utilized advanced flight simulation tools to create realistic training environments for diverse scenarios.
- Served as a mentor for new instructor pilots, offering guidance on effective teaching techniques and strategies for successful classroom management.
Operations/Readiness Officer
STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS WING ONE
Oklahoma City, OK
04.2017 - 03.2018
- Managed operational readiness of fleet assets to support seamless global flight operations, reporting directly to the Deputy Commodore.
- Coordinated with stakeholders to align communication efforts with organizational goals and objectives.
- Established effective relationships with key stakeholders both internally and externally for increased collaboration opportunities.
Catapult and Arresting Gear Officer / Division Officer
USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN-73)
Yokosuka, Japan
03.2015 - 03.2017
- Oversaw execution of nearly 10,000 aircraft launch and recovery missions, maintaining safety standards throughout training work-ups and deployments.
- Directed and managed Navy's physical readiness program for over 3,000 sailors aboard aircraft carrier.
- Oversaw certification and inspection processes for carrier's largest division to ensure compliance and operational excellence.
Instructor Pilot / Senior Flight Leader
TRAINING SQUADRON THREE
Milton, FL
05.2012 - 01.2015
- Executed instructional responsibilities for student naval aviators, covering all aspects of primary flight training to promote proficiency and safety.
- Managed curriculum design and implementation for the professional growth of 170+ student naval aviators.
- Oversaw and coordinated the activities of 65 instructor pilots, focusing on the safe and efficient execution of student training.
- Developed training curricula incorporating industry standards and best practices for pilot education.
Aircraft Commander / Mission Commander
FLEET AIR RECONNAISSANCE SQUADRON FOUR
Oklahoma City, OK
04.2009 - 04.2012
- Oversaw pilot upgrade syllabus events and conducted comprehensive pilot NATOPS evaluations. Led annual pilot crew resource management evaluations and mission commander assessments. Fostered a culture of excellence in pilot training and evaluation processes.
- Oversaw aviation maintenance inspections for the largest division within the maintenance department. Led quality assurance efforts to enhance operational compliance and safety.
- Identified potential hazards quickly, addressing them proactively to prevent accidents or damage to aircraft and personnel.
- Improved crew morale with effective leadership techniques that fostered teamwork while addressing individual needs or concerns promptly.
Education
Master of Arts - Executive Leadership
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA12-2020
Bachelor of Science - General Engineering
United States Naval Academy
Annapolis, MD05-2006
Skills
- Strategic leadership
- Project management
- Training development
- Employee development
- Continuous improvement
- Performance evaluation
- Mentorship
- Workforce development
- Delegation
- Strategic innovation development
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Adaptability and flexibility
NOTABLE AWARDS
Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal
Timeline
Commanding Officer (Vice President/Director)
FLEET AIR RECONNAISSANCE SQUADRON SEVEN
07.2023 - 11.2025
Action Officer / Executive Chair
JOINT STAFF / J6, PENTAGON
07.2020 - 07.2022
Instructor Pilot /Maintenance Officer
FLEET AIR RECONNAISSANCE SQUADRON THREE
03.2018 - 06.2020
Operations/Readiness Officer
STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS WING ONE
04.2017 - 03.2018
Catapult and Arresting Gear Officer / Division Officer
USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN-73)
03.2015 - 03.2017
Instructor Pilot / Senior Flight Leader
TRAINING SQUADRON THREE
05.2012 - 01.2015
Aircraft Commander / Mission Commander
FLEET AIR RECONNAISSANCE SQUADRON FOUR
04.2009 - 04.2012
Master of Arts - Executive Leadership
Liberty University
Bachelor of Science - General Engineering
United States Naval Academy