Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Ryan M. Breeden is originally from Kalihi, Hawaii and joined the Navy out of Greeley, Colorado. He enlisted April 8, 2015 as an Aviation Electrician’s Mate to travel the world and gain work related experiences. He was eventually re-rated in 2017 and completed his first tour at electronic attack squadron, VAQ-129, “Vikings.”
In 2018, he rotated to Navy Public Affairs Support Element (NPASE) West, where he deployed aboard USS Anchorage (LPD 23). During his deployment he wanted to continue a career within the naval aviation community and was soon given the opportunity. Completing SERE school and Naval Aircrewman Candidate School in 2019, Breeden further excelled his experience by completing the A18A Aerial Cameraman designation with Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC) Squadron Four, “Black Knights.”
Breeden deployed shortly after 2020 aboard USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) in response to the COVID-19 outbreak in Los Angeles. After a successful deployment he was redeployed in the summer of 2020 aboard USS Comstock (LSD 45) in support of Pacific Partnership 2020. In 2021, he again deployed aboard USS Charleston (LCS 18) working cross-departmentally to provide multimedia products as well as guidance on operations, intelligence briefs, OPTASK VI and SNOOPIE.
After NPASE West he was accepted for the Advanced Military Photojournalism Course at Syracuse University and after completion in 2023 he reported to his current command, Commander U.S. 7th Fleet.
He was NPASE’s overall Sailor of the Year in 2019 and won the 2020 Russel Egnor Excellence Award as the Navy’s Photographer of the Year, as well as placing first in Individual Categories: News and Operational Photo Series. In 2021 he also was awarded the Navy’s Junior MC of the Year award for his efforts across multiple naval platforms. He has been awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (five awards) as well as various other personal awards.
