Commander J. Ryan Murphy is a native of Athens, GA.  He graduated from the U.S Naval Academy in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.  He was designated a Naval Aviator in Kingsville, TX in March 1998.

 After completing F/A-18 replacement pilot training at VFA-106, NAS Cecil Field, FL, CDR Murphy reported to the Marauders of VFA-82, executing a homeport change to MCAS Beaufort, SC upon the closure of NAS Cecil Field.  There he deployed aboard USS JOHN F. KENEDY (CV-67) in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH, and aboard USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71) in the days following 9/11 in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.  While with VFA-82, he was selected to attend the U.S Naval Test Pilot School, NAS Patuxent River, MD.

 CDR Murphy graduated from the U.S Naval Test Pilot School in 2003 and was assigned to the Salty Dogs of VX-23, NAS Patuxent River.  While at VX-23 he served as the T-45 Department Head and as a project pilot for various F/A-18A-F test projects.

 Following VX-23, CDR Murphy reported to U.S Central Command Air Forces (USCENTAF) in Shaw AFB, SC.  Here he served at the Chief of Close Air Support/Killbox Interdiction and as the Assistant Weapons Officer.  He deployed in 2006 as part of AEF 9/10 to the Combined Air Operations Center in Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar as Chief of Master Air Attack Plans.

 In 2007, CDR Murphy reported to the Wildcats of VFA-131 where he served as the Maintenance and Operations Officers.  He deployed aboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN-73) in support of Partnership of the Americas 2008 and aboard USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69) in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

 Upon completion of his tour with VFA-131, CDR Murphy reported to U.S. Naval Test Pilot School as an instructor pilot.  In addition to his duties as an instructor pilot, he served as the Operations Officer, the aircraft monitor for the T-38C, T-6B, and exercise monitor for various syllabus exercises.  During this tour he earned a Masters of Science in Systems Engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.

In February 2013, he assumed his role with the "Pukin' Dogs" of Strike Fighter Squadron ONE FOUR THREE as the Executive Officer.

 CDR Murphy’s personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, eight Air Medals (one Individual Action with Combat Distinguishing Device, 7 Strike/Flight),  four Navy Commendation Medals (with Combat Distinguishing Device), a Navy Achievement Medal, and various campaign and unit citations.  He has accumulated over 550 arrested landings and 3,000 hours in 42 aircraft.