CAPT Ryan T. Fulwider

COMMANDING OFFICER, USS JOHN L. CANLEY (ESB 6) BLUE CREW

13 February 2025

Captain Ryan T. Fulwider, a native of Neshanic Station, NJ, graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy in May 2000 and was designated a Naval Aviator in August 2002. He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval War College of Naval Command and Staff with a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies, and the U.S. Navy Nuclear Power School.

At sea, he commanded the world-famous “Red Rippers” of Strike Fighter Squadron ELEVEN (VFA-11), leading them through a seven-month deployment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and U.S. 6th Fleet Dynamic Force Employment aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). His other operational assignments include the “Bounty Hunters” of VFA-2, Carrier Air Wing ONE (CVW-1) Landing Signal Officer (LSO), and the “Black Knights” of VFA-154, with service in Operations Unified Assistance, Enduring Freedom, and New Dawn.

Ashore, Captain Fulwider served as an Instructor Pilot, Super Hornet Carrier Qualification Phase Head, and Tactical Demonstration Pilot at VFA-106. Following his command tour, he served as the Navy Tactical Aircraft Program Analyst in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation.

He most recently served as the Executive Officer of USS Nimitz (CVN 68) where the command earned the 2023 Commander, Naval Air Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet Battle Efficiency Award. He assumed command of USS John L. Canley (ESB 6) Blue Crew in February of 2025.

Captain Fulwider has accumulated over 3200 total flight hours and 855 carrier arrested landings. He is a two-time Commander, Naval Air Forces, U.S. Atlantic Fleet LSO of the Year. His decorations include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Strike Flight Air Medal, and various other unit citations and campaign ribbons.