Captain Ring is a native of San Diego, California and was commissioned via the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps at the University of Arizona after receiving a degree in Economics and Political Science. Following flight training in Pensacola and VAW-120, he was designated as a Naval Flight Officer in 1990. Captain Ring’s initial sea duty assignment was with the VAW-123 “ Screwtops” in USS AMERICA (CV-66) (1990-1993). In 1996 Captain Ring was selected to become Air Defense Officer in USS CHANCELLORSVILLE (CG-62) and USS PORT ROYAL (CG-73) where he qualified in Surface Warfare. Additional sea duty assignments include the VAW-112 “Golden Hawks” in USS JOHN C. STENNIS (1999-2002) and Carrier Strike Force Training Pacific (CSFTP) (2007).

Captain Ring reported as Executive Officer of VAW-113 in September 2004 and assumed command in November 2005. While in command, the “Black Eagles” flew in support of ground convoys in Iraq and participated in a surge deployment to the Western Pacific, during which time the squadron earned both the 2006 Battle Excellence award and the Airborne Early Warning Excellence award. From October 2009 to June 2011 Captain Ring served as Executive Officer, USS NIMITZ (CVN-68). Shore duty assignments included instructor duty at Carrier Airborne Early Warning Weapons School (CAEWWS) (1993-1996), Air Force Command and Staff College where he earned a Masters Degree in Strategic Studies and a Masters in Public Administration from Auburn University (1998), Joint Theater Air and Missile Defense Office (JTAMDO), Joint Staff, J8 Directorate where he worked Ballistic Missile Defense issues (2002-2004), and Nuclear Power Training (2007-2009).

Captain Ring’s personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, two Meritorious Service Medals, two Strike Flight Air Medals, seven Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals (including one combat “V”) and various other personal and campaign medals. In 1994 he was selected as Hawkeye NFO of the Year and while in Command of VAW-113 Captain Ring was awarded the peer elected 2005 Navy and Marine Corps Leadership Award.