Ryan Sullivan

Master Chief Petty Officer, U.S. Coast Guard

Master Chief Ryan Sullivan assumed the duties of Command Master Chief of Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATF-S) on 22 June 2026. He advises and supports the Director in leading the Nation’s most impactful interagency and international task force, coordinating shared security efforts throughout the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility. The command conducts critical detection and monitoring operations throughout 42 million square miles to interdict illicit trafficking and protect national and partner nation security. In support of this mission, Master Chief Sullivan drives the Director's vision by leading and developing the joint workforce, ensuring personnel readiness and welfare across the interagency and international team.

Prior to this assignment, Master Chief Sullivan served as the Command Master Chief of Patrol Forces Southwest Asia in Manama, Bahrain. His previous key leadership roles include Intelligence Specialist Rating Force Master Chief and Senior Enlisted Leader for Coast Guard Intelligence at Coast Guard Headquarters, Command Chief at Cryptologic Unit Colorado, and Command Intelligence Officer at Air Station Savannah, GA. He also served as a Signals Intelligence Training liaison and completed an internship in the National Security Agency’s Middle Enlisted Cryptologic Career Advancement Program. Early in his career, Master Chief Sullivan served as a small boat engineer and boarding team member at Station Rockland, ME.

Master Chief Sullivan joined the Coast Guard in October 2007, graduating Recruit Training at Cape May, NJ. He holds a Master of Science in Cyber Operations and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Networks and Cybersecurity from the University of Maryland. He is an alumnus of the National Intelligence University’s IC Strategic Leader Program.  And he is a graduate of KEYSTONE (26-2), the Coast Guard Senior Enlisted Leadership Course (Class 91), Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Academy (Class 236), and Intelligence Specialist A-School 01-10.

Master Chief Sullivan is authorized to wear the Defense Meritorious Service Medal with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, the Meritorious Service Medal with Operational Distinguishing Device and Gold Star, the Coast Guard Commendation Medal, the Coast Guard Achievement Medal, and the Intelligence Professional Insignia, among other unit, personal, and service awards. A native of Colorado Springs, CO; he resides in Key West, FL, with his wife, daughter, and two cats.