Rear Adm. Ryan Mahelona is a native of Kāne’ohe, Hawai’i. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1995, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Systems Engineering and a commissioning as a Surface Warfare Officer. He redesignated as an Information Professional Officer in 2013. Mahelona holds a Master of Science in Software Engineering and a Master of Business Administration.

His operational tours include assignment to USS Vandegrift (FFG 48) as the anti-submarine warfare and combat information center division officer, and later aboard USS Cowpens (CG 63) as assistant operations officer department head. He deployed to the Arabian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch aboard both ships. Mahelona then served with the Commander, Pacific Fleet, Maritime Operations Center Detachment 601 and Fleet Command Center supporting the Operations (N3) and Information systems (N6) directorates. He was then assigned to the Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet headquarters unit and Fleet Watch Center. Both tours were in support of Operation Enduring Freedom/Noble Eagle.

Mahelona has served multiple tours supporting system engineering and acquisition programs at the Naval Information Warfare Systems Command, formerly known as the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command. He established SPAWAR Fleet Readiness Directorate’s System of System Operability Test program in 2013 and later served as the NAVWAR Reserve Program deputy commander and as PEO C4I/ PMW 130 special project principal integration program manager.

Mahelona’s command tours include Navy Reserve Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station, San Diego, Navy Reserve Naval Information Warfare Systems Command Unit 301, and Commander, Naval Information Force Reserve Southwest.

He is currently serving as the deputy commander for U.S. 10th Fleet in Fort Meade, Maryland.

His personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medals, Navy Commendation Medals, and the Navy Achievement Medal.

Last Updated: 17 July 2026