Capt. Ryan J. Heilman, a native of Aurora, Colorado, enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1987 as a machinist's mate (nuclear power).  In 1991, he was selected for the Nuclear Enlisted Commissioning Program, graduating in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Engineering Physics from Oregon State University.  He received his commission from Officer Candidate School, Pensacola, Florida, in December 1994.  Heilman also received a Master of Science in Management Information Systems from the University of Nebraska.  He is a graduate of both the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and the U.S. Naval War College and is a joint qualified officer.
 
At sea, Heilman served aboard USS Wyoming (SSBN 742) (Blue), and aboard USS Nevada (SSBN 733) (Gold) as the navigator and operations officer,  where he completed five strategic deterrent patrols. Heilman served as executive officer aboard USS Nebraska (SSBN 739) (Blue).  He returned to USS Nevada as the commanding officer of the Blue Crew in 2016.
 
Ashore, Heilman has served at U.S. Strategic Command, Trident Training Facility Bangor, the U.S. Naval War College, and Submarine Squadron 17.

His personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Joint Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards) and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards).
 

Last Updated: 4 February 2022