sentences:  A native of Mountainhome, Pennsylvania, Ryan graduated from the United States Naval Academy in June 1967 with his twin brother, Vice Admiral Norbert Ryan Jr.. After designation as a naval aviator, his initial assignment was to Patrol Squadron 8.From 1972 to 1975, he was assigned to the Candidate Guidance Office at the Naval Academy.He then served two years aboard the as Assistant Navigator followed by a department head tour in Patrol Squadron 26.