Oct. 16, 2024

Ryan Mahelona KSK’91 is the third Native Hawaiian to achieve rank of rear admiral. Through his 33-year career in the U.S. Navy, Mahelona has developed a vast knowledge and understanding of computer network engineering and cybersecurity and the new rear admiral lower half will serve as deputy commander for the Tenth Fleet – the Navy’s cyber and space arm.

Vice Admiral Robert Kihune KSK’55, who retired from the Navy in 1994 after 35 years of service and went on to serve as a Kamehameha Schools Trustee, presided over Mahelona’s promotion ceremony on the deck of the U.S.S. Missouri on Oct. 5.

In the days leading up to his promotion ceremony, Mahelona engaged with hundreds of Residential Life students in high school during a dinner forum and held a question-and-answer session with two middle school leadership classes at Kamehameha Schools Kapālama.

During his promotion ceremony remarks, Mahelona was grateful for the support of his ‘ohana, including his daughter, Chelsea, son, Micah, and wife, Grace.