Rear Adm. Ryan Scholl is a native of Beltsville, Maryland and a 1987 graduate of Princeton University with a degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. He was commissioned through Aviation Officer Candidate School in March 1988 and designated a naval aviator in February 1990. He holds a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College and is a graduate of the Joint Staff College and the Navy Nuclear Power Program.

Scholl commanded the Sunliners of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 81, Joint Provincial Reconstruction Team Asadabad in Afghanistan, USS Ashland (LSD 48), and USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), and Carrier Strike Group 8.  His additional assignments at sea include tours with Strike Fighter Squadrons VFA-105 and VFA-83. Scholl served as executive officer onboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65). During his operational tours he supported Operations Southern Watch and Iraqi Freedom in support of contingency operations in Iraq, Operation Deliberate Guard/Deliberate Forge in support of stabilization efforts in Bosnia­ Herzegovina, and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

His first flag assignment was as U.S. Strategic Command’s deputy J5 for Plans and Policy.  Scholl served ashore as the narrator and demonstration pilot in the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels; assistant chief of staff for readiness at Naval Air Forces, Pacific; and chief of staff at Naval Air Forces, Atlantic.

Scholl has logged over 4,000 hours in A-7E Corsairs, F/ A-18C Hornets, and F/ A-18 E/F Super Hornets including multiple combat missions and 964 arrested landings.

He currently serves as deputy director of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency.

His personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

Last Updated: 8 March 2024