Cmdr. Ryan Ventresca
Commander Ryan Ventresca, native of Pennsylvania, is a 1999 graduate of the University of Delaware. He enlisted in the Navy after graduation and subsequently earned a commission from Officer Candidate School in May of 2000. At sea, CDR Ventresca served as Commanding Officer in USS LASSEN (DDG 82) from December 2017 to July 2019. His previous at sea assignments include Executive Officer in USS LASSEN, Commanding Officer of USS FIREBOLT (PC 10) and USS HURRICANE (PC 3) and Deputy Commander, Patrol Coastal Squadron ONE. His Department Head assignments included Staff Engineer in Destroyer Squadron TWO TWO, and Chief Engineer in USS MASON (DDG 87). His Division Officer tours were in USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) and in USS HAWES (FFG 53).
Ashore, CDR Ventresca served as Japan Country Director for the Directorate for Politico-Military Affairs, Asia on the Joint Staff. He served as Head of Command Policy and Officer professional Development at the Chief of Naval Personnel. He also served as a Seamanship and Navigation instructor at the United States Naval Academy. He served as Chief Staff Officer, Naval Surface Squadron FOURTEEN from August 2019 to January 2020.
CDR Ventresca was awarded a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College in 2007. His personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), Navy Commendation Medal (4 awards), Navy Achievement Medal (2 awards), and various campaign, service, unit, and personal awards.
CDR Ventresca assumed command of USS MILWAUKEE (LCS 5) in April 2020.