LCDR M. Ryan Pounders

Executive Officer, USS Pioneer (MCM 9)

15 October 2023 Lieutenant Commander Pounders 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 earned a master’s degree in History from Norwich University in 2018 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 has deployed numerous times to 5th and 6th Fleets.

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 his current duties as Executive Officer onboard USS PIONEER (MCM 9) in July 2023.