Capt. Ryan B. Leary
Commanding Officer, USS Cole (DDG 67)
23 June 2024
Captain Leary is a native of Jamestown, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Pennsylvania State University in 2000 and earned his commission through the Reserve Officer Training Program.
Captain Leary’s sea duty assignments include Director of Operations at U.S SEVENTH Fleet and command in USS MUSTIN (DDG 89). He also served as Executive Officer in USS STETHEM (DDG 63), as the Weapons Officer and Combat Systems Officer in USS MONTEREY (CG 61), as the Aide de Camp to Commander, Carrier Strike Group 11, and as a Division Officer in USS MOBILE BAY (CG 53) and USS O’BANNON (DD 987).
Ashore, Captain Leary most recently served as Director, Commander’s Action Group at Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center. He also was assigned as a Staff Action Officer at the Joint Integrated Air and Missile Defense Organization and as Ballistic Missile Defense Planner and Flag Aide at U.S. SIXTH Fleet. Captain Leary earned a Master of Business Administration at the University of California San Diego through the Surface Warfare Officer MBA Program and served as a Federal Executive Fellow at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.
On July 21, 2024 he assumed command of USS Cole (DDG 64).
His personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (two), and various service and unit awards.