LCDR M. Ryan Pounders

Commanding Officer, USS Pioneer (MCM 9)

01 August 2024 Lieutenant Commander Ryan Pounders, a Surface Warfare Officer, is a native of Belmont, Mississippi and studied Political Science at the United States Naval Academy where he received his commission and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 2011.  Additionally, he holds a master’s degree in History from Norwich University and completed Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) Phase I through the Naval War College.

At sea he completed division officer tours as Auxiliaries Officer in USS NEW YORK (LPD21) and as Navigator in USS NITZE (DDG 94).  He completed his department head tours as Weapons and Combat Systems Officer aboard USS LENAH SUTCLIFFE HIGBEE (DDG 123).  He recently completed his tour as Executive Officer on USS PIONEER (MCM 9).  He has deployed to 5th, 6th, and 7th Fleet AORs.

His shore assignments include Commander, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron TWO (COMLCSRON2) as the Assistant Operations Officer and Squadron Navigator as well as the Anti-Terrorism Officer for Commander, Naval Surface Squadron FOURTEEN.  

LCDR Pounders assumed command of USS PIONEER (MCM 9) on 1 August 2024.  

LCDR Pounders personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (with Gold Stars), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medal (with Gold Stars), and multiple unit and service awards.