Lt. Col. Ryan P. Mahaffey is a native of San Diego, California.  He graduated from The Citadel in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science and was commissioned in the U.S. Marine Corps. He is also a graduate of Pennsylvania State University where he received a graduate degree in supply chain management.  
 
He reported to Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS) 16, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar, California, where he assumed numerous division officer roles within the aviation supply department.  In 2009, he deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as the operations officer for Military Movement Team 8, in Al Rutbah, Iraq.  Upon return, he assumed the duties as the MALS-16 operations officer.
 
In July 2010, Mahaffey reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina, where he served as a series commander, water survival section officer in charge, and company commander.  Upon completion of his tour, Mahaffey reported to MALS-26, MCAS New River, North Carolina.  He was assigned as the assistant aviation supply officer and deployed to Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Crisis Response, as the MALS detachment officer in charge in support of the aviation combat element, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162. 
 
In July 2016, Mahaffey reported to Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support where he served as the director, V-22 integrated weapons system team.  Upon completion of his tour, he was transferred to MALS-36, Okinawa, Japan, where he assumed the duties as the operations officer and executive officer. 
 
In July 2022, Mahaffey reported to the Chief of Naval Operations, air warfare division, logistics and readiness branch, where he served as the aviation spares resource sponsor. 
 
Mahaffey currently serves as commanding officer, Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit New River.
 
His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two Gold Stars in lieu of third award, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two gold stars in lieu of third award. 
 
 

Last Updated: 9 August 2023