Major Ryan M. Zsido hails from Largo Florida. He attended University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences in 2012. Following graduation from college, he attended Officer Candidates School where he received his commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps in 2013.
Upon completion of the Basic School in Quantico, Virginia, Lieutenant Zsido reported to Introductory Flight Screening, then Aviation Preflight Indoctrination in Pensacola, Florida. Once complete, he reported to Naval Air Station Whiting Field where he was selected to fly jets out of Naval Air Station Meridian. Once designated as a Naval Aviator, he attended VMFAT-101 out of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar to learn to the fly the F/A-18. From May 2018 until July 2021, he was assigned to the “Checkerboards” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 in Beaufort, South Carolina.
From May 2018 to May of 2020, Captain Zsido served as the Schedules Officer, Flight Officer, Powerline Officer in Charge, while also receiving flight qualifications, to include Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron’s Fighter Attack Instructor. In May 2020, he attended TOPGUN class 03-20. Upon completion, he served as the Pilot Training Officer during the squadron’s Dynamic Force Employment and until his departure in July of 2021.
Upon completion of his tour with the “Checkerboards,” Captain Zsido attended Tactical Air Control Party School, and transferred to Marine Special Operations Command, 2d Marine Raider Battalion, Fox Company as the company Air Officer. While attached to Fox Company, Captain Zsido deployed to the Southern Philippines in support of Operation PACIFIC EAGLE- PHILIPPINES, serving as the Operations Officer and Air Officer.
In June of 2023, Major Zsido then returned to Beaufort, South Carolina and attached to the “Warlords” of VMFAT-501 for the conversion to F-35B. Once complete with the conversion, he remained at the squadron as a Fleet Replacement Squadron Instructor, quickly earning his section lead, division lead, and Air Combat Maneuvering Instructor qualifications. During this tenure, he augmented VMFA-542 on their deployment to Central Command is support of Operations INHERENT RESOLVE, PROSPERITY GUARDIAN, and SPARTAN SHIELD. Major Zsido served at the Airframes Division Officer, Quality Assurance Officer, and currently serves as the Executive Officer.