O'Loughlin Navy Award Winner

Commander Ryan O’Loughlin was awarded the 2019 Vice Admiral James Bond Stockdale Leadership Award in a ceremony held in the Hall of Heroes, Nov. 19 at the Pentagon, Washington D.C. The award was presented by the Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday.

The award recognizes two commander grade officers, post command, who demonstrate inspirational leadership both professionally and personally, and contribute to the improvement of leadership in the Navy. O’Loughlin was the commanding officer of USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98). The award honors Vice Admiral James Bond Stockdale, a Naval Academy graduate and pilot. In September 1965, Stockdale ejected from his A-4E Skyhawk over North Vietnam and was captured. While prisoner, Stockdale served as an inspiring leader to his fellow prisoners until his release in February 1973. He received the Medal of Honor in 1976. Each year there are two award winners for the entire Navy. O’Loughlin is the winner for the Atlantic fleet. Active duty Navy commanders and below who are serving in command of a single ship, submarine, aviation squadron, Sea, Air, Land (SEAL) team, naval special warfare squadron, SEAL delivery vehicle team, special boat team, explosive ordnance disposal mobile unit, mobile diving and salvage unit, or Navy special clearance team are all eligible and may be nominated by their peers for the award. Officers who nominate a candidate must themselves be eligible for the award. It is one of the Navy’s most prestigious awards it bestows upon its officers.

O’Loughlin is a graduate of Jackson High School, The University of Missouri, and Naval Post Graduate School. He is the son of Tom and Teresa O’Loughlin, Oak Ridge, MO. and Saundra O’Loughlin, Jackson, MO. He currently is stationed and resides in Millington, TN. with his wife and children.