Lieutenant Nathan J. Ryan currently serves as an Instructor in the Government Department at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, where he teaches American Government and serves as an Academic Advisor and as the Academy’s International Affairs Officer.

LT Ryan enlisted in the Coast Guard in 2009 and served nearly a decade as an Information Systems Technician before earning his commission in 2018 through the Direct Commission Engineer program. His assignments have spanned afloat operations, information technology and cybersecurity, acquisitions, maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, training and education, and international engagement. Prior to joining the Department of Government, LT Ryan served as a Command Duty Officer at Sector Puget Sound in Seattle, Washington, where he directed the prosecution of more than 200 complex multi-mission cases, resulting in 81 lives saved, 246 lives assisted, and the preservation of more than $30 million in property.

LT Ryan’s previous officer assignments include the Maritime Law Enforcement Academy in Charleston, South Carolina, where he served as the Basic Boarding Officer Course Chief and earned designations as both an Instructor and Master Training Specialist, and Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C., where he supported the $4 billion Fast Response Cutter acquisition program. Prior to commissioning, he served aboard U.S. Coast Guard Cutters RELIANCE and HARRIET LANE and ashore at Telecommunication and Information Systems Command and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.

While assigned to the Maritime Law Enforcement Academy, LT Ryan participated in the U.S. Southern Command-led Exercises TRADEWINDS 2021 in Guyana and TRADEWINDS 2022 in Belize. He led instruction in maritime law enforcement and small boat operations for partner nations in support of multinational efforts to strengthen maritime security, interoperability, and regional security cooperation. His contributions to these efforts resulted in his recognition with the Joint Service Achievement Medal.

LT Ryan earned a Master of Science in Global Studies and International Relations from Northeastern University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Studies in Computer Information Technology from Southern New Hampshire University. His professional and academic interests include American government, international relations, national security, maritime security, and security cooperation.

LT Ryan and his wife Amber reside in Connecticut with their daughter, Leighton. Together, they enjoy international travel and experiencing new places, cultures, and adventures. LT Ryan has set a personal goal of visiting all seven continents before turning 40, with Africa and Antarctica remaining. His other interests include fitness, RVing, hiking, fishing, shooting, skiing, snowboarding, and spending time with his family.

Education

• M.S., Global Studies and International Relations, Northeastern University
• B.S., Business Studies in Computer Information Technology, Southern New Hampshire University
• A.S., Computer Information Technology, Southern New Hampshire University

Courses Taught

• American Government

Honors and Awards

• Coast Guard Commendation Medal (2)
• Joint Service Achievement Medal
• Coast Guard Achievement Medal (3)
• Commandant’s Letter of Commendation (3)
• Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation (11)
• Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation
• Coast Guard Unit Commendation (2)
• Department of Homeland Security Outstanding Unit Award
• Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal (3)
• Armed Forces Service Medal
• National Defense Service Medal
• Coast Guard Sea Service Ribbon
• Coast Guard Pistol Expert Medal