Capt. Ryan P. Shann is a career Naval Special Warfare (NSW) SEAL officer with joint special operations and prior surface warfare experience.  Shann graduated from Georgetown University, earning a commission through Naval ROTC, and from Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training with Class 242. He also completed a one-year NSW Fellowship, earning a Master in Public Policy through Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs.
 
Shann completed operational tours at SEAL Teams 3 and 5 and has deployed multiple times in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom – Afghanistan, and Inherent Resolve (Iraq).
 
His staff tours include a joint assignment at Special Operations Command Pacific; executive officer of NSW Special Reconnaissance Team (SRT) 1; deputy operations officer for Combined Forces Special Operations Component Command – Afghanistan; operations officer for NSW Group (NSWG) 10; chief staff officer for NSWG-1; and force director of operations for Naval Special Warfare Command.
 
Shann’s other command tours include serving as the 27th commanding officer of SEAL Team 1, where during his tenure he deployed to Iraq in command of Special Operations Task Force (SOTF) – West.  He also served as commanding officer of Naval Special Warfare Unit (NSWU) 2 in Stuttgart, Germany, responsible for NSW forces deployed to the European theater.
 
Shann assumed command of Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Leadership Education and Development (NLEAD) Command in August 2021.

Last Updated: 16 September 2021